Joey Castillo and Queens of the Stone Age
Play Webster Hall, NYC

Joey Castillo

Some musicians talk about how good they are. Some don't have to. Joey Castillo is the latter. It took Joey Castillo exactly 30 seconds to secure the job as drummer for Queens of the Stone Age. Despite anchoring a band like QOTSA, Joey remains humble, yet confident. Who needs to talk when actions speak like Joey's?

LP was able to catch up with Joey when the band kicked off their 2005 North American tour in New York City's Webster Hall, where Joey was nice enough to meet with us before the show. Together with long-time friend / ex-band mate / LP employee Steve Grecco, Joey filled us in on his latest happenings. After snapping a few photos, it was time for the band to prepare for their show.

Queens of the Stone Age opened with "Something's in the Wolf", from their new album "Lullabies to Paralyze." Joey was amazing behind the drums, truly putting all of himself into every show. Along with his LP Gear, he showed his chops as the band rolled through their set list. As part of his regular setup, Joey utilized a cyclops tambourine as well as various LP bells and blocks. In fact, in the band's first single from "Lullabies" -- "Little Sister", which of course was played at the concert -- Joey uses the LP Jam Block to keep time throughout the entire song.

Joey continued to pour himself into the performance. As if his playing alone was not enough, he went into a drum solo after "Songs for the Dead," then led his solo into the next song, "I Never Came", without skipping a beat. It sounded great! All in all, the band played an incredible two-hour, 22-song set, with one encore.

We were able to meet up with Joey after the show. Joey was very friendly and outgoing as he and Steve reminisced and laughed about old times and old friends. He showed a lot of class!

Before joining up with Queens of the Stone Age, Joey played drums for musical acts such as Danzig, Sugartooth and Mark Lanegan. Growing up in southern California, Joey began drumming at the age of 15 without any formal instruction. Joey cites the early 80's punk scene as a major influence. He would go see bands, such as Black Flag, and watch the drummer.

Equipment List: LP Jam Block, cyclops tambourine, Bongos, LP bells, wood blocks and various mounts and brackets.