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Queens Of Stone Age At Club Nokia

Gretchen Meier |
August 12, 2010 | 1:11 p.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

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Josh Homme and the Queens of the Stone Age are playing a benefit concert Thursday, Aug. 12 to raise money for bassist Brian O'Connor.

O'Connor, who shares the stage with Homme in the Eagles of Death Metal, was diagnosed with cancer in June and initially lacked the medical insurance needed to pay his bills. Queens of the Stone Age, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) and John Paul Jones of Them Crooked Vultures launched two trans-Atlantic benefit concerts to help raise alternative sources of funds for his treatment. Them Crooked Vultures sold out the Brixton Academy in London on July 5 and Thursday night's performance is the second planned benefit.

O'Connor is currently undergoing treatment in Los Angeles and the net proceeds from the show will be contributed to a fund established in conjunction with the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund to assist with both his medical care and vital living expenses.

Thursday night, The Eagles of Death Metal will open for Queens of the Stone Age at the Club Nokia, joined on stage by The Dead Weather/Queens of the Stone Age's Dean Fertita. Fertita stepped in on bass for the remainder of The Eagles of Death Metal's planned shows. 

After the initial benefit concert announcement, O'Connor made this statement:

“In regards to my current health situation, with the remarkable support and love from my amazing friends and family, I am receiving the best medical and moral attention one could ask for. I cannot thank everyone enough for their continued support and involvement.  I am excited for my full recovery and look forward to getting back to what I love most, melting face with my bass. I’m feeling great, after all, I am half unicorn. Keep ya posted.”

Queens of the Stone Age will embark on a tour of the European Festival circuit beginning August 19.

To make a donation to the Brian O'Connor fund, please visit: http://www.brianeodm.org or by texting "BOC" to 85944 on your mobile phone.

 

To reach reporter Gretchen Meier, click here.



 

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