Home From Home Is Where The Heart Is

The Age

Saturday April 5, 2008

Patrick Donovan, Music Writer

AS SOME of the biggest names in rock music jetted into town this week to play the V Festival - the last big show on Melbourne's busy festival calender - Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme had already made himself at home.

The Californian arrived weeks ago with Geelong-born partner Brody Dalle and their toddler, Camille, to enjoy the autumn weather and hang out on Fitzroy's Brunswick Street.

The family spend most of their time based in Los Angeles but Homme loves visiting Melbourne and feels there are lots of similarities between California and Victoria.

"I love the space, and like back home, you get to take it for granted," said Homme, 34, who sports his daughter's name in a tattoo across his knuckles. He also has a cut forearm from a beer can hurled from the crowd at a recent gig.

"The first time I came out here was when I was 19. I was so taken with the place that I almost had all my stuff sent out here," he said. "I think Australians and Americans have a great affinity for one another. They both like brumbies and cowboy culture and hot rods and beer and shoes off - I love it here how all the kids have their shoes off in the park. That never happens in LA."

Homme also has a strong affinity with Victoria because his favourite film, Mad Max, was shot here. The cult film inspired two songs: The Bronx and Johnny the Boy.

Queens of the Stone Age play V Festival this weekend with the Smashing Pumpkins, Duran Duran, the Jesus & Mary Chain and others.

Homme said he was initially hesitant about joining the reunion-heavy bill.

"I like Duran Duran and the Pumpkins, but I'm not into reunions, so I was not all that keen at first. But I was happy to be proven wrong."