Them Crooked Vultures

Them Crooked Vultures
Raph_PH · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Them Crooked Vultures
Origin	Los Angeles, California, United States
Years active	2009–present (intermittent)
Label	Interscope Records, Sony BMG, Columbia Records
Associated acts	Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, Arctic Monkeys

Them Crooked Vultures is an international rock supergroup formed in 2009 that brought together prominent figures from United States and United Kingdom rock scenes. The band combined members with pedigrees in Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Raconteurs to produce a self-titled studio album and extensive festival appearances. Their work attracted attention across major music publications and led to collaborations and live performances with artists and festivals worldwide.

History

The project began after informal collaborations and mutual connections in the Los Angeles and London music communities involving members linked to Nirvana and Foo Fighters circles, as well as musicians associated with Queens of the Stone Age and Led Zeppelin legacies. Early activity included studio sessions and songwriting in Los Angeles and recording in studios tied to producers who had worked with The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. The group announced its formation amid coverage from major outlets such as Rolling Stone, NME, Pitchfork, and Billboard. Their debut, released on Interscope Records and distributed by Sony BMG and Columbia Records, reached charts in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, and several European Union countries. After initial touring including headline slots at festivals like Glastonbury Festival, Lollapalooza, Reading and Leeds Festivals, and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, members returned to primary projects such as Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, and solo endeavors, resulting in intermittent activity and occasional reunions.

Members

The core trio comprised a vocalist/guitarist associated with Queens of the Stone Age, a drummer credited with work in Led Zeppelin-related lineages and heavy rock circles, and a bassist/multi-instrumentalist whose history included collaboration with Nirvana and The Foo Fighters figures. Each member maintained prominent careers: - A guitarist and vocalist known for work with Queens of the Stone Age, collaborations with Eagles of Death Metal, and appearances alongside artists like Iggy Pop and Mark Ronson. - A drummer with a high-profile resume including ties to Led Zeppelin legacy projects, session work with The Who and involvement with modern rock acts such as The Black Keys and The Raconteurs. - A bassist and multi-instrumentalist who had played with Nirvana members and Foo Fighters contributors, and who produced or performed for artists like John Frusciante, Nine Inch Nails, and Eagles of Death Metal.

Beyond the trio, touring lineups and guest appearances featured musicians connected to Arctic Monkeys, The Dead Weather, Queens of the Stone Age touring ensembles, and session players with credits on releases by David Bowie, Paul McCartney, and Tom Petty.

Musical style and influences

Their sound fused hard rock, blues-rock, alternative rock, and psychedelic elements, drawing comparisons to landmark acts and movements such as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, and the Grunge era epitomized by Nirvana and Soundgarden. Critics noted stylistic nods to The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and Cream, and production techniques reminiscent of work by producers associated with The Beatles and The Kinks. The band incorporated components of progressive rock and garage rock revival aesthetics found in projects by Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes, and The White Stripes, while live improvisation referenced traditions from Pink Floyd and King Crimson. Songwriting showed influences from songwriters and bands such as David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney, and arrangements reflected experience in studio contexts with figures like Rick Rubin and Brian Eno.

Discography

Their principal release was a self-titled studio album issued on Interscope Records with international distribution by Sony BMG and Columbia Records, which charted on the Billboard 200, the UK Albums Chart, the ARIA Albums Chart, and the Canadian Albums Chart. Singles from the album received airplay on BBC Radio 1, KROQ, and Sirius XM rock channels, and music videos were featured on outlets such as MTV and YouTube Music. The band released B-sides and limited-edition vinyl through retail partners including Amazon (company), HMV, and independent record shops in New York City and London. Remastered editions, singles, and live recordings have circulated via streaming platforms and compilation appearances alongside artists from labels like Interscope Records and Columbia Records.

Live performances and tours

Their live debut included headline shows and festival appearances at venues and events such as Glastonbury Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Lollapalooza, Reading Festival, and headline dates in Los Angeles, New York City, London, and Tokyo. They shared stages with acts including Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, The Black Keys, and Muse, and participated in benefit concerts alongside artists like Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl-led ensembles. Performances drew praise for technical proficiency and setlists mixing album tracks, extended jams, and covers referencing Led Zeppelin and David Bowie material. Touring cycles involved promoters and agencies such as Live Nation, AEG Presents, and festival bookers tied to Goldenvoice.

Awards and reception

The band received critical acclaim from publications including Rolling Stone, NME, Pitchfork, The Guardian (UK), and Spin (magazine), and earned placements on year-end lists compiled by BBC Music, Billboard, and GQ (magazine). Their debut attained certifications and chart positions in markets tracked by organizations like the Recording Industry Association of America, the British Phonographic Industry, and the Australian Recording Industry Association. The group's live performances were nominated for honors from entities such as the NME Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and regional music prize organizations in Australia and Canada, while individual members continued to receive recognition for their broader careers from institutions including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and various industry halls.

Category:American rock music groups Category:Supergroups (music)