When you go to a concert and see a band you always want the energy from the crowd and most importantly the band to be very high. When you see a guy like Nick Oliveri the energy level goes through the roof and into orbit. Oliveri, best known as the former bassist for Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss, left Queens in the mid 2000's and has been doing things his way ever since. From jamming out with famous friends like Slash and Dave Grohl to forming new acts with his old mates in The Dwarves and recently you can catch Nick on a solo acoustic tour playing material from his entire catalogue. Just a Nick started his tour I had the chance to speak to the man behind the mad man stage antics and one of the best bassist's and musicians around these days. We discussed his tour, who he has played with, and how he feels about former Queens of the Stone Age member Josh Homme playing with his pal Dave Grohl in Them Crooked Vultures. Take a look at my interview with Nick Oliveri below..How has the solo tour been coming along?
NO: Tour has been cold , but good. I have a cold.
You play your solo shows under the name Rex Everything pseudonym, or Pierre Pressure. Where did these names come from?
NO: I play under Nick Oliveri acoustic. Those names were given to me by The Dwarves.
Slash’s solo record is set to come out this year, finally, you contributed to it. What can you tell us about it? What was it like playing with him?
NO: Slash was awesome to work with. He was more than cool and very kind. It was killer working with Eric Valentine again as well. I got to work with one of the greats.
You have played with various bands and various musicians, who has been your all time favorite to play with?
NO: Hands down its Dave Grohl.
Is there anybody you wish you could jam with that you have not already?
NO: Yeah, but their all dead.
From Kyuss to Queens of the Stone Age to Mondo Generator and The Dwarves, we have seen you in many great bands. Will you ever revisit or reunite with these bands in the future?
NO: I just did a new Dwarves record and another Mondo Generator record.I also spent a couple of very chilly weeks in Oslo,Norway recording with my new band that I am super excited about.We dont have a name yet but its Me and the Turbo Negro dudes and its gonna blow your head off ! All of these thing are gonna come out this year so it gonna be a busy 2010 for me and I could'nt be happier about it.
Recently former QOTSA member Josh Homme formed the band Them Crooked Vultures with John Paul Jones and Dave Grohl. Is there a lineup you have in mind that you would like to play with that could top that one?
NO: I'm not in competition or trying to top anyone's anything. My new band kicks ass ,period. And Dave plays on a track on the new album as well. Its all good brother.
You formed a band with Twiggy Ramirez, Casey Chaos and Shannon Larkin called The Headband, though material was recorded it was never released. Will it ever see the light of day or what that something for just you guys to do and see what would happen?
NO: It was a good night and a shitty recording on a tape that I have somewhere. We have not got together since 1999.
You were an outspoken critic (and rightfully so) of Creed and Staind. What bands do you despise these days?
NO: Still Creed and Staind.
What bands do you like these days?
NO: Trash Talk from No.Cal. Extortion from Perth, Australia and Hy-Test from Sydney, Australia
Nick solo acoustic in 2006 (above) / Queens of the Stone Age "Go with the Flow" (below)
Thanks to Nick, special thanks to Clint Weiler for the interview!