Kyuss

Kyuss (pronounce: KIGH-us; original name was Sons of Kyuss until the release of their first album) was an influential stoner rock band, originally from Palm Desert, California. The group formed in 1990, consisting of John Garcia (vo

Kyuss (pronounce: KIGH-us; original name was Sons of Kyuss until the release of their first album) was an influential stoner rock band, originally from Palm Desert, California. The group formed in 1990, consisting of John Garcia (vocals), Joshua Homme (guitar), Nick Oliveri (bass guitar) and Brant Bjork (drums), performing all around southern California, frequently at parties in the desert, referred to as "generator parties" because of the use of gasoline-powered generators to provide electricity for the equipment. Josh Homme is well known for playing electric guitars through bass guitar amplifiers to create a deeper sound. The band's original name, Sons of Kyuss, was taken from the roleplaying game Dungeons and Dragons. Sons Of Kyuss released the now-rare EP Sons of Kyuss, (with Chris Cockrell on bass) locally in 1990, before the group's name was shortened to Kyuss. This lineup -- with new bassist Nick Oliveri -- released their debut album, Wretch in 1991 on Dali Records, but sales were sluggish even as their live shows gained fame. Chris Goss produced their next album, the landmark Blues for the Red Sun, a critically hailed album that earned the band many accolades.

Kyuss were fortunate that friends Nirvana and especially fan and Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl were keen to see them achieve success, and managed to get them a spot on tour with Metallica in Australia in 1993.