Troy Van Leeuwen
Encyclopedia
Troy Dean Van Leeuwen is an American
musician
and producer
. Van Leeuwen began playing music at young age and started playing guitar at age 13. Soon Van Leeuwen was playing in various local bands such as Jester, 60 Cycle and later Failure
. During this time, Van Leeuwen also worked as a session musician
for various bands and met guitarist Billy Howerdel
, who later recruited Van Leeuwen to play guitar in his and Tool
frontman Maynard James Keenan
's alternative rock
supergroup
A Perfect Circle
. The band's debut album Mer De Noms
became the highest ever debut for a rock band, with 188,000 copies sold in its first week.
After recording three tracks on A Perfect Circle's second album, Van Leeuwen successfully auditioned for Josh Homme's Queens of the Stone Age
, and was welcomed into the band as their second guitar player. In addition to guitar, Van Leeuwen was also required to play lap steel and keyboards
. Since joining the band in 2002, Van Leeuwen has recorded two studio albums - Lullabies to Paralyze
in 2005 and Era Vulgaris
in 2007 - as well as recorded with various band members' side projects such as The Desert Sessions
, Mondo Generator
, Eagles of Death Metal
and The Gutter Twins
. He created his first side project Enemy
in 2005, but currently is with his new side project, Sweethead
.
of Led Zeppelin
, he switched to playing guitar at age 13. In the late 1980s Van Leeuwen played in Jester, a successful southern California band fronted by vocalist Eric Book. Jester released an EP, which is the earliest and most rare recording of a 16-year-old Van Leeuwen. He then played in a small band called Little Boots, with which he recorded a number of demos and played a few shows before the band's breakup. His next band was 60 Cycle, which released their debut "Pretender" in 1995, and their self titled album the following year. It was during his time in 60 Cycle that Van Leeuwen met Kellii Scott, and the two started working on a project (later to be known as Enemy
). Van Leeuwen went on to play in Failure
. The band released three records and didn't enjoy any commercial success, but was praised by critics as a talented and almost revolutionary group. It was during a tour with Failure when Troy met former Kyuss
guitarist Josh Homme, who was presently playing rhythm guitar with The Screaming Trees. After the breakup of Failure, Troy went on to be a session musician
and recording engineer, working with groups such as Orgy
, Crazy Town
, Coal Chamber
and KoRn
.
frontman Maynard James Keenan
, who offered him a spot in his and Billy Howerdel
's new band A Perfect Circle
. Due to the band's lineup of talented musicians and good chemistry, Troy accepted the invitation. The band played their first show at LA's Viper Club Reception on August 15, 1999. After playing shows in Los Angeles, the band entered the studio to begin work on their debut album. Soon drummer Tim Alexander
was replaced with session drummer Josh Freese
; however, Alexander's performance can still be heard on the album version of the song "The Hollow
". After completing the recording of the band's debut album, Mer de Noms
, the band began touring, initially as the opening act for Nine Inch Nails
in 2000. Later the band embarked on a number of headlining tours around the world, including the Canadian festival, Summersault
. Mer de Noms was released on May 23, 2000, while the band was on tour. The album marks the highest ever debut for a new rock band, selling over 188,000 copies in its first week, and appearing at number four on the Billboard 200
.
's second album Thirteenth Step
, Troy recorded guitars for only three tracks before successfully auditioning for a spot in Josh Homme's Queens of the Stone Age
. After outperforming Jeordie White
and others in the audition, Troy was welcomed as the band's second guitarist for their Songs For The Deaf
tour. Besides playing guitar, Troy also performed on lap steel guitar
, keyboards
, backing vocals and occasionally bass guitar
. Due to the band's schedule, Troy had only one week to learn 30 songs before the tour began. For the European leg of the album's supporting tour, Dave Grohl
left to return to his main band Foo Fighters. He was replaced with former Danzig
drummer Joey Castillo
, who (along with Troy and Homme) has remained with the band ever since. Songs for the Deaf was a critical and commercial success, and the singles "No One Knows
" and "Go with the Flow
" became hits on both radio and MTV
. The tour culminated in a number of headline dates in Australia in January 2004.
Troy's first recording with QOTSA was Lullabies to Paralyze
. The band entered the studio with long-time collaborator
and multi-instrumentalist
Alain Johannes
, who replaced Nick Oliveri on the album. Troy aimed to fill in some of the gaps in the music were he felt the sound could be expanded through atmospheric and ambient textures made by guitar, lap steel and piano. The album (the title of which is taken from a lyric in Mosquito Song from Songs for the Deaf) featured several guest appearances, most notably ZZ Top
's Billy Gibbons
, who performed backing vocals and lead guitar on "Burn the Witch
" and the ZZ Top
cover Precious and Grace. Despite reportedly turning down an invitation to remain with the band, Mark Lanegan
recorded vocals on new tracks, and appeared with the band on the supporting tour when scheduling and his health permitted. The album was leaked onto the internet in February 2005, and was aired by Australian radio on 3 March 2005 as an unsubstantiated 'World Premiere'. The album was then officially released on March 22, 2005 in the USA, and debuted as number 5 on the Billboard Music Chart: the greatest initial success of any QOTSA record to date. On November 22, 2005, the band released a live album/DVD set called Over the Years and Through the Woods
, which featured a live concert filmed in London, and bonus features (including rare videos dating from 1998 to 2005).
After touring to support the album, the band headed back into the studio in July 2006. A year later, Troy reported that the band had written new material that was "still in its infancy", which Homme later suggested might be released as an EP
. This matured into their 2007 release Era Vulgaris
, to which Van Leeuwen contributed a significant amount of material. Several sites reported that the album would include many guest vocalists, including Trent Reznor
from Nine Inch Nails
, Julian Casablancas
from The Strokes
, Mark Lanegan
, Billy Gibbons
of ZZ Top
, and wittingly, deceased humorist Erma Bombeck
. Josh Homme described the record as "dark, hard, and electrical, sort of like a construction worker". Era Vulgaris
was completed in early April 2007 and released in June 2007 in the U.S.
The tracks "Sick, Sick, Sick
" and "3's & 7's
" were released as singles in early June. Bassist Michael Shuman
(Wires On Fire
, Jubilee
) and keyboardist Dean Fertita
(The Waxwings
, The Raconteurs
) took over touring duties from Alain Johannes
and Natasha Shneider
respectively.
In July 2007, Van Leeuwen stated the band had written new material, "still in its infancy" which Homme later suggested might be released as an EP
. Following a subsequent interview with Homme, The Globe and Mail
reported that the EP "could contain as many as 10 B-sides recorded during the Era Vulgaris sessions." It was since reported however that the EP would not be released due to the record label's unwillingness to put out another QOTSA release at this time. In a September issue of NME Magazine, Josh Homme stated that he was going back to make the new QOTSA and Desert Sessions records along with remastering the 1998 self titled album for an early 2009 release. Homme also stated Queens' new album is going to be a "desert orgy in the dark".
with his sideproject Enemy
. The album features bassist Eddie Nappi from the Mark Lanegan Band, and his former bandmate from Failure
Kelli Scott on drums (who had replaced Quicksand
's Alan Cage). Troy describes Enemy as his "big, dumb rock trio", and "a vehicle driven by pure and utter disgust of mediocrity and general frustration with the human condition". During Troy's time with A Perfect Circle, Enemy recorded a five track demo in what Troy called "Guerilla-style recording" at various studios. The band (unusually) offered to be signed by a record label by advertising for the princely sum of $250,000 on Ebay
. Enemy was ultimately signed by Control Group/TCG
, who released their debut album. After joining the Queens of the Stone Age, Troy also has contributed music to band members' various side projects: such as The Desert Sessions
, Mondo Generator
, Eagles of Death Metal
, The Gutter Twins
and Mark Lanegan
s soloalbum album Bubblegum. After the Era Vulgaris tour's end, Troy began touring with his current side project, Sweethead
.
(and Homme in particular) have a "veil of secrecy" regarding their exact setup, in order to maintain a unique guitar sound. However, Troy eventually disclosed some information regarding his gear. He favors semi-hollow guitars due to their natural resonance. To prohibit "bad feedback", he stuffs pieces of foam into the F-holes of some. All of his guitars are fitted with a variety of Seymour Duncan
pickups, most often Customs or JB. His guitars are tuned in standard 440, D tuning
and C tuning. He uses Ernie Ball
10 to 52 for standard tuning, and heavy jazz gauge 12 to 58 for lower tunings. Troy has also said that his live rig is considerably different than what he uses during recording, due to the fact that he considers most of his vintage equipment too unreliable for touring.
In addition to guitar and lap steel, Troy has also plays a Clavia
Nord Electro
keyboard during live performances and recordings. After Nick Oliveri
's departure from the band, Troy has also played an Epiphone Rivoli
bass (or, alternatively, a Custom Yamaha SA-bass
) during several Queens of the Stone Age recordings and tours following Lullabies to Paralyze
. For the Era Vulgaris
album, Troy was the primary lead guitarist—although he also occasionally contributed with keyboards, lap steel, bass, and back up vocals.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
and producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
. Van Leeuwen began playing music at young age and started playing guitar at age 13. Soon Van Leeuwen was playing in various local bands such as Jester, 60 Cycle and later Failure
Failure (band)
Failure was an American rock band that was active from 1990 to 1997, during which they recorded and released three critically acclaimed albums...
. During this time, Van Leeuwen also worked as a session musician
Session musician
Session musicians are instrumental and vocal performers, musicians, who are available to work with others at live performances or recording sessions. Usually such musicians are not permanent members of a musical ensemble and often do not achieve fame in their own right as soloists or bandleaders...
for various bands and met guitarist Billy Howerdel
Billy Howerdel
Billy Howerdel is the founding member, guitarist, songwriter, and producer for the bands A Perfect Circle and Ashes Divide. He has recorded three acclaimed studio albums with the former, and in 2008, Ashes Divide released their debut album, Keep Telling Myself It's Alright.-Early life:Howerdel was...
, who later recruited Van Leeuwen to play guitar in his and Tool
Tool (band)
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
frontman Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan is an American rock singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, winemaker, and actor. Originally from Ohio, Keenan spent his high school and college years in Michigan. After serving in the Army in the early 1980s, he attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids...
's alternative rock
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
supergroup
Supergroup (music)
In the late 1960s, the term supergroup was coined to describe "a rock music group whose performers are already famous from having performed individually or in other groups"....
A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums...
. The band's debut album Mer De Noms
Mer de Noms
- Symbols :Inside the insert the track names appear to be randomly spelled out in symbols. One way to decipher the symbols is to match the song titles using the normal alphabet with the song titles inside the insert....
became the highest ever debut for a rock band, with 188,000 copies sold in its first week.
After recording three tracks on A Perfect Circle's second album, Van Leeuwen successfully auditioned for Josh Homme's Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...
, and was welcomed into the band as their second guitar player. In addition to guitar, Van Leeuwen was also required to play lap steel and keyboards
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
. Since joining the band in 2002, Van Leeuwen has recorded two studio albums - Lullabies to Paralyze
Lullabies to Paralyze
Lullabies to Paralyze is the fourth studio album by hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age, released on March 21, 2005. The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200, and sold 97,000 copies in America during its first week of release, eventually topping over 342,000 copies as of March, 2007...
in 2005 and Era Vulgaris
Era Vulgaris (album)
Era Vulgaris is the fifth full length studio album by American hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age. The album was completed in early April 2007 and released on June 8, 2007 in some countries, June 11, 2007 in the United Kingdom and June 12, 2007 in the United States...
in 2007 - as well as recorded with various band members' side projects such as The Desert Sessions
The Desert Sessions
The Desert Sessions are a musical collective series, founded by Josh Homme in 1997. Artists such as Brant Bjork, PJ Harvey, Jeordie White The Desert Sessions are a musical collective series, founded by Josh Homme in 1997. Artists such as Brant Bjork, PJ Harvey, Jeordie White The Desert Sessions are...
, Mondo Generator
Mondo Generator
Mondo Generator is an American metal/punk hybrid band founded in 1997 by Nick Oliveri. The name of the band originated when Brant Bjork spray-painted the words on the side of Oliveri's Sunn amplifier. Mondo means "world" in Italian...
, Eagles of Death Metal
Eagles of Death Metal
Eagles of Death Metal is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, formed in 1998 by Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme. Despite their band name, Eagles of Death Metal are not a death metal band. Hughes stated that a friend was introducing Josh Homme to the death metal genre...
and The Gutter Twins
The Gutter Twins
The Gutter Twins is a musical collaboration between rock musicians Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan. Dulli and Lanegan have regularly contributed to each other's projects since 2000, most notably in Dulli's Twilight Singers; of the duo's origins, Dulli said "I think Mark told a journalist we were doing...
. He created his first side project Enemy
Enemy (band)
Enemy is an American band fronted by guitarist and vocalist Troy Van Leeuwen , with bassist Eddie Nappi and drummer Kelli Scott . Former Quicksand drummer Alan Cage was a founding member before being replaced by Scott...
in 2005, but currently is with his new side project, Sweethead
Sweethead
Sweethead is an American alternative rock group formed in 2008. The group's lineup consists of singer Serrina Sims, guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen , bassist Eddie Nappi and drummer Norm Block .To date, Sweethead have...
.
Early life and career
Van Leeuwen was born January 5, 1968 in Los Angeles, California. His first instrument was the drums, but after realizing that he could not sound like his idol John BonhamJohn Bonham
John Henry Bonham was an English musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer of Led Zeppelin. Bonham was esteemed for his speed, power, fast right foot, distinctive sound, and "feel" for the groove...
of Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
, he switched to playing guitar at age 13. In the late 1980s Van Leeuwen played in Jester, a successful southern California band fronted by vocalist Eric Book. Jester released an EP, which is the earliest and most rare recording of a 16-year-old Van Leeuwen. He then played in a small band called Little Boots, with which he recorded a number of demos and played a few shows before the band's breakup. His next band was 60 Cycle, which released their debut "Pretender" in 1995, and their self titled album the following year. It was during his time in 60 Cycle that Van Leeuwen met Kellii Scott, and the two started working on a project (later to be known as Enemy
Enemy (band)
Enemy is an American band fronted by guitarist and vocalist Troy Van Leeuwen , with bassist Eddie Nappi and drummer Kelli Scott . Former Quicksand drummer Alan Cage was a founding member before being replaced by Scott...
). Van Leeuwen went on to play in Failure
Failure (band)
Failure was an American rock band that was active from 1990 to 1997, during which they recorded and released three critically acclaimed albums...
. The band released three records and didn't enjoy any commercial success, but was praised by critics as a talented and almost revolutionary group. It was during a tour with Failure when Troy met former Kyuss
Kyuss
Kyuss is a rock band, originally from Palm Desert, California. After forming in the late 1980s and releasing an EP under the name Sons of Kyuss in 1990, the band shortened its name to Kyuss. Over the next five years the band released four full-length albums, and one last split EP in 1997 with...
guitarist Josh Homme, who was presently playing rhythm guitar with The Screaming Trees. After the breakup of Failure, Troy went on to be a session musician
Session musician
Session musicians are instrumental and vocal performers, musicians, who are available to work with others at live performances or recording sessions. Usually such musicians are not permanent members of a musical ensemble and often do not achieve fame in their own right as soloists or bandleaders...
and recording engineer, working with groups such as Orgy
Orgy (band)
Orgy is an American synth rock band formed in 1996, from Los Angeles, California. Orgy described their music as "death pop".-History:Orgy was formed in 1996 by vocalist Jay Gordon and guitarist Ryan Shuck. Bassist Paige Haley, guitarist Amir Derakh, and drummer Bobby Hewitt soon completed the line-up...
, Crazy Town
Crazy Town
Crazy Town is a rap rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1995 by Bret Mazur and Seth Binzer. The band is best known for their 2001 single, "Butterfly", which reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart...
, Coal Chamber
Coal Chamber
Coal Chamber is an American alternative metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1993. Prior to Coal Chamber, Dez Fafara and Meegs Rascón formed the band She's In Pain in 1992. The two decided to create Coal Chamber. They disbanded in 2003 after ten years together, but announced a reunion in...
and KoRn
Korn
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
.
A Perfect Circle
It was during his time as a session musician that Troy met ToolTool (band)
Tool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1990, the group's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. Since 1995, Justin Chancellor has been the band's bassist, replacing their original bassist Paul D'Amour...
frontman Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan is an American rock singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, winemaker, and actor. Originally from Ohio, Keenan spent his high school and college years in Michigan. After serving in the Army in the early 1980s, he attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids...
, who offered him a spot in his and Billy Howerdel
Billy Howerdel
Billy Howerdel is the founding member, guitarist, songwriter, and producer for the bands A Perfect Circle and Ashes Divide. He has recorded three acclaimed studio albums with the former, and in 2008, Ashes Divide released their debut album, Keep Telling Myself It's Alright.-Early life:Howerdel was...
's new band A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums...
. Due to the band's lineup of talented musicians and good chemistry, Troy accepted the invitation. The band played their first show at LA's Viper Club Reception on August 15, 1999. After playing shows in Los Angeles, the band entered the studio to begin work on their debut album. Soon drummer Tim Alexander
Tim Alexander
Tim "Herb" Alexander is an American musician, best known as the former drummer for the rock band Primus. Tim played on the Primus recordings Suck on This to Tales from the Punchbowl, before leaving the band in 1996, only to rejoin in 2003 for the EP Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People...
was replaced with session drummer Josh Freese
Josh Freese
Josh Freese is an American session drummer and songwriter. He is a permanent member of A Perfect Circle, The Vandals, and Devo, having formerly played drums for Nine Inch Nails from late 2005 until late 2008, and for Guns N' Roses from mid-1998 to 2001. Freese has appeared on close to 300 records....
; however, Alexander's performance can still be heard on the album version of the song "The Hollow
The Hollow (song)
"The Hollow" is a single from A Perfect Circle's 2000 album Mer de Noms. It serves as the opening track of the album, utilizing layered guitars...
". After completing the recording of the band's debut album, Mer de Noms
Mer de Noms
- Symbols :Inside the insert the track names appear to be randomly spelled out in symbols. One way to decipher the symbols is to match the song titles using the normal alphabet with the song titles inside the insert....
, the band began touring, initially as the opening act for Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
in 2000. Later the band embarked on a number of headlining tours around the world, including the Canadian festival, Summersault
Summersault
Summersault was a Canadian music festival organized by the band Our Lady Peace in 1998 and again in 2000. Summersault 1998 was held in Barrie, Ontario, at Molson Park, St...
. Mer de Noms was released on May 23, 2000, while the band was on tour. The album marks the highest ever debut for a new rock band, selling over 188,000 copies in its first week, and appearing at number four on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
.
Queens of the Stone Age
On A Perfect CircleA Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums...
's second album Thirteenth Step
Thirteenth Step
Thirteenth Step is the second studio album by American rock band A Perfect Circle, released under Compact Disc format on September 16, 2003. It was a major success reaching the #2 position on the Billboard 200 in its premiere week, selling over 231,000 copies and staying on the charts for 78 weeks....
, Troy recorded guitars for only three tracks before successfully auditioning for a spot in Josh Homme's Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...
. After outperforming Jeordie White
Jeordie White
Jeordie Osbourne White , better known by his pseudonym Twiggy Ramirez , is an American musician, who is best known for being the bassist and guitarist for Marilyn Manson. He was also the bassist for A Perfect Circle, and Nine Inch Nails...
and others in the audition, Troy was welcomed as the band's second guitarist for their Songs For The Deaf
Songs for the Deaf
-Production and release:In September 2002, Josh Homme explained the band's goals with the release of the album:In the same month, Nick Oliveri explained the band's aims in an interview with retail company HMV:...
tour. Besides playing guitar, Troy also performed on lap steel guitar
Lap steel guitar
The lap steel guitar is a type of steel guitar, an instrument derived from and similar to the guitar. The player changes pitch by pressing a metal or glass bar against the strings instead of by pressing strings against the fingerboard....
, keyboards
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
, backing vocals and occasionally bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
. Due to the band's schedule, Troy had only one week to learn 30 songs before the tour began. For the European leg of the album's supporting tour, Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl
David Eric "Dave" Grohl is an American rock musician, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter who is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for Foo Fighters; the former drummer for Nirvana and Scream; and the current drummer for Them Crooked Vultures...
left to return to his main band Foo Fighters. He was replaced with former Danzig
Danzig (band)
Danzig is an American heavy metal band, formed in 1987 in Lodi, New Jersey. The band serves as a musical outlet for the singer/songwriter Glenn Danzig. Danzig can be seen as the third stage in Glenn Danzig's musical career, preceded by the horror punk bands The Misfits and Samhain...
drummer Joey Castillo
Joey Castillo
Joseph Willam "Joey" Castillo is an American drummer currently playing with Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal...
, who (along with Troy and Homme) has remained with the band ever since. Songs for the Deaf was a critical and commercial success, and the singles "No One Knows
No One Knows
"No One Knows" is a song by American rock band Queens of the Stone Age written by band members Josh Homme and Mark Lanegan. It was the first single and second track from their third album, Songs for the Deaf, and was released on November 26, 2002. "No One Knows" was a chart success, becoming the...
" and "Go with the Flow
Go with the Flow
"Go with the Flow" is a song by Queens of the Stone Age from the album Songs for the Deaf, released as a single in 2003. At the 46th Grammy Awards, the song was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance.-Music video:...
" became hits on both radio and MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
. The tour culminated in a number of headline dates in Australia in January 2004.
Troy's first recording with QOTSA was Lullabies to Paralyze
Lullabies to Paralyze
Lullabies to Paralyze is the fourth studio album by hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age, released on March 21, 2005. The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200, and sold 97,000 copies in America during its first week of release, eventually topping over 342,000 copies as of March, 2007...
. The band entered the studio with long-time collaborator
Queens of the Stone Age contributors
Queens of the Stone Age are a rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band frequently changes its line-up, and its records often include guest appearances...
and multi-instrumentalist
Multi-instrumentalist
A multi-instrumentalist is a musician who plays a number of different instruments.The Bachelor of Music degree usually requires a second instrument to be learned , but people who double on another instrument are not usually seen as multi-instrumentalists.-Classical music:Music written for Symphony...
Alain Johannes
Alain Johannes
Alain Johannes Moschulski is a guitarist and, along with his late partner Natasha Shneider and drummer Jack Irons, a founding member of the band Eleven...
, who replaced Nick Oliveri on the album. Troy aimed to fill in some of the gaps in the music were he felt the sound could be expanded through atmospheric and ambient textures made by guitar, lap steel and piano. The album (the title of which is taken from a lyric in Mosquito Song from Songs for the Deaf) featured several guest appearances, most notably ZZ Top
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "That Little Ol' Band from Texas". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based boogie rock, has come to incorporate elements of arena, southern, and boogie rock. The band, from Houston Texas, formed in 1969...
's Billy Gibbons
Billy Gibbons
William Frederick "Billy" Gibbons is an American musician, actor and car customizer, best known as the guitarist of the Texas blues-rock band ZZ Top. He is also the lead singer and composer for many of the band's songs. Gibbons is known for playing his Gretsch Billy Bo guitar and his famous 1959...
, who performed backing vocals and lead guitar on "Burn the Witch
Burn the Witch
"Burn the Witch" is the third single released from Queens of the Stone Age's fourth album, Lullabies to Paralyze. Many of its lyrics run parallel with the dark, folkloristic theme for this album...
" and the ZZ Top
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "That Little Ol' Band from Texas". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based boogie rock, has come to incorporate elements of arena, southern, and boogie rock. The band, from Houston Texas, formed in 1969...
cover Precious and Grace. Despite reportedly turning down an invitation to remain with the band, Mark Lanegan
Mark Lanegan
Mark Lanegan is an American rock musician and songwriter. Lanegan began his music career in the 1980s, forming the grunge group Screaming Trees with Gary Lee Conner, Van Conner and Mark Pickerel. During his time in the band Lanegan would start a low-key solo career...
recorded vocals on new tracks, and appeared with the band on the supporting tour when scheduling and his health permitted. The album was leaked onto the internet in February 2005, and was aired by Australian radio on 3 March 2005 as an unsubstantiated 'World Premiere'. The album was then officially released on March 22, 2005 in the USA, and debuted as number 5 on the Billboard Music Chart: the greatest initial success of any QOTSA record to date. On November 22, 2005, the band released a live album/DVD set called Over the Years and Through the Woods
Over the Years and Through the Woods
Over the Years and Through the Woods is the title of a live album and video by Queens of the Stone Age.The release features material on audio CD as well as video DVD — both recorded at London's Brixton Academy on Monday August 22, 2005 and KOKO on Tuesday August 23, 2005...
, which featured a live concert filmed in London, and bonus features (including rare videos dating from 1998 to 2005).
After touring to support the album, the band headed back into the studio in July 2006. A year later, Troy reported that the band had written new material that was "still in its infancy", which Homme later suggested might be released as an EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
. This matured into their 2007 release Era Vulgaris
Era Vulgaris (album)
Era Vulgaris is the fifth full length studio album by American hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age. The album was completed in early April 2007 and released on June 8, 2007 in some countries, June 11, 2007 in the United Kingdom and June 12, 2007 in the United States...
, to which Van Leeuwen contributed a significant amount of material. Several sites reported that the album would include many guest vocalists, including Trent Reznor
Trent Reznor
Michael Trent Reznor is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer, and leader of industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. Reznor is also a member of How to Destroy Angels alongside his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, and Atticus Ross. He was previously associated with bands Option 30,...
from Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
, Julian Casablancas
Julian Casablancas
Julian Fernando Casablancas is an American singer-songwriter and musician of The Strokes. Casablancas pursued a solo career during The Strokes' hiatus, releasing the album Phrazes for the Young on November 3, 2009....
from The Strokes
The Strokes
The Strokes are an American indie rock band formed in 1999 in New York City. Consisting of Julian Casablancas , Nick Valensi , Albert Hammond, Jr. , Nikolai Fraiture and Fabrizio Moretti ....
, Mark Lanegan
Mark Lanegan
Mark Lanegan is an American rock musician and songwriter. Lanegan began his music career in the 1980s, forming the grunge group Screaming Trees with Gary Lee Conner, Van Conner and Mark Pickerel. During his time in the band Lanegan would start a low-key solo career...
, Billy Gibbons
Billy Gibbons
William Frederick "Billy" Gibbons is an American musician, actor and car customizer, best known as the guitarist of the Texas blues-rock band ZZ Top. He is also the lead singer and composer for many of the band's songs. Gibbons is known for playing his Gretsch Billy Bo guitar and his famous 1959...
of ZZ Top
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as "That Little Ol' Band from Texas". Their style, which is rooted in blues-based boogie rock, has come to incorporate elements of arena, southern, and boogie rock. The band, from Houston Texas, formed in 1969...
, and wittingly, deceased humorist Erma Bombeck
Erma Bombeck
Erma Louise Bombeck was an American humorist who achieved great popularity for her newspaper column that described suburban home life from the mid-1960s until the late 1990s...
. Josh Homme described the record as "dark, hard, and electrical, sort of like a construction worker". Era Vulgaris
Era Vulgaris (album)
Era Vulgaris is the fifth full length studio album by American hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age. The album was completed in early April 2007 and released on June 8, 2007 in some countries, June 11, 2007 in the United Kingdom and June 12, 2007 in the United States...
was completed in early April 2007 and released in June 2007 in the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
The tracks "Sick, Sick, Sick
Sick, Sick, Sick
"Sick, Sick, Sick" is a Grammy nominated single released by Queens of the Stone Age from their 2007 album Era Vulgaris. It was released on May 8, 2007 as a digital download only from the U.S. iTunes Store...
" and "3's & 7's
3's & 7's
"3's & 7's" is the second single by Queens of the Stone Age from their 2007 album Era Vulgaris. It was released on June 4, 2007 and followed the digital download-only "Sick, Sick, Sick"....
" were released as singles in early June. Bassist Michael Shuman
Michael Shuman
Michael Shuman is an American rock musician. He is most famous for playing bass with rock band Queens of the Stone Age...
(Wires On Fire
Wires On Fire
The Los Angeles-based band Wires on Fire, formed in 2004 by Jeff Lynn, Dash Hutton, Michael Shuman and Evan Weiss. The band has released titles such as Homewrecker EP , Wires on Fire/Mean Reds split and their self-titled LP , which sold particularly well in the United Kingdom...
, Jubilee
Jubilee (band)
Jubilee is an Indie rock band from Hollywood, California. The band was started in late 2007 by Aaron North who is the chief songwriter, and singer in the band. He plays guitar as well. Also on guitar, is Tony Bevilacqua...
) and keyboardist Dean Fertita
Dean Fertita
Dean Fertita is an American rock musician and multi-instrumentalist. Fertita was the lead singer and guitarist of The Waxwings from the band's formation in 1997 to its breakup in 2005...
(The Waxwings
The Waxwings
The Waxwings are a rock band from Detroit, Michigan, United States, formed in 1997.The band's lineup consists of Dean Fertita on vocals and guitar, James Edmunds on drums and percussion, and Kevin Peyok on bass guitar...
, The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs is an American rock band that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, featuring four members known for other musical projects: Jack White , Brendan Benson , Jack Lawrence , and Patrick Keeler .-Formation:The...
) took over touring duties from Alain Johannes
Alain Johannes
Alain Johannes Moschulski is a guitarist and, along with his late partner Natasha Shneider and drummer Jack Irons, a founding member of the band Eleven...
and Natasha Shneider
Natasha Shneider
Natasha Shneider was a Russian musician. She was most notably the keyboardist and vocalist in the musical group Eleven, and was the partner of bandmate Alain Johannes...
respectively.
In July 2007, Van Leeuwen stated the band had written new material, "still in its infancy" which Homme later suggested might be released as an EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
. Following a subsequent interview with Homme, The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail is a nationally distributed Canadian newspaper, based in Toronto and printed in six cities across the country. With a weekly readership of approximately 1 million, it is Canada's largest-circulation national newspaper and second-largest daily newspaper after the Toronto Star...
reported that the EP "could contain as many as 10 B-sides recorded during the Era Vulgaris sessions." It was since reported however that the EP would not be released due to the record label's unwillingness to put out another QOTSA release at this time. In a September issue of NME Magazine, Josh Homme stated that he was going back to make the new QOTSA and Desert Sessions records along with remastering the 1998 self titled album for an early 2009 release. Homme also stated Queens' new album is going to be a "desert orgy in the dark".
Other musical work
In 2005, Troy released Hooray For Dark MatterHooray For Dark Matter
Hooray For Dark Matter was the debut album from Troy Van Leeuwen's side-project group Enemy. -Track listing:#"Action" - 3:41#"Clean" - 3:48#"Freeway" - 2:58#"The Treatment" - 4:35#"Locust Sky Zone" - 3:48...
with his sideproject Enemy
Enemy (band)
Enemy is an American band fronted by guitarist and vocalist Troy Van Leeuwen , with bassist Eddie Nappi and drummer Kelli Scott . Former Quicksand drummer Alan Cage was a founding member before being replaced by Scott...
. The album features bassist Eddie Nappi from the Mark Lanegan Band, and his former bandmate from Failure
Failure (band)
Failure was an American rock band that was active from 1990 to 1997, during which they recorded and released three critically acclaimed albums...
Kelli Scott on drums (who had replaced Quicksand
Quicksand (band)
Quicksand was an American post-hardcore band from New York City founded in 1990 by singer/songwriter Walter Schreifels. Their debut self-titled EP was followed by two major label albums, Slip and Manic Compression...
's Alan Cage). Troy describes Enemy as his "big, dumb rock trio", and "a vehicle driven by pure and utter disgust of mediocrity and general frustration with the human condition". During Troy's time with A Perfect Circle, Enemy recorded a five track demo in what Troy called "Guerilla-style recording" at various studios. The band (unusually) offered to be signed by a record label by advertising for the princely sum of $250,000 on Ebay
EBay
eBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
. Enemy was ultimately signed by Control Group/TCG
The Control Group
The Control Group is a relatively small record label, founded by Nabil Ayers. Notable artists to have albums released by this label include Kings of Leon and The Killers.-Bands Signed with TCG :*Alien Crime Syndicate*El Perro Del Mar*Figurines...
, who released their debut album. After joining the Queens of the Stone Age, Troy also has contributed music to band members' various side projects: such as The Desert Sessions
The Desert Sessions
The Desert Sessions are a musical collective series, founded by Josh Homme in 1997. Artists such as Brant Bjork, PJ Harvey, Jeordie White The Desert Sessions are a musical collective series, founded by Josh Homme in 1997. Artists such as Brant Bjork, PJ Harvey, Jeordie White The Desert Sessions are...
, Mondo Generator
Mondo Generator
Mondo Generator is an American metal/punk hybrid band founded in 1997 by Nick Oliveri. The name of the band originated when Brant Bjork spray-painted the words on the side of Oliveri's Sunn amplifier. Mondo means "world" in Italian...
, Eagles of Death Metal
Eagles of Death Metal
Eagles of Death Metal is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, formed in 1998 by Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme. Despite their band name, Eagles of Death Metal are not a death metal band. Hughes stated that a friend was introducing Josh Homme to the death metal genre...
, The Gutter Twins
The Gutter Twins
The Gutter Twins is a musical collaboration between rock musicians Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan. Dulli and Lanegan have regularly contributed to each other's projects since 2000, most notably in Dulli's Twilight Singers; of the duo's origins, Dulli said "I think Mark told a journalist we were doing...
and Mark Lanegan
Mark Lanegan
Mark Lanegan is an American rock musician and songwriter. Lanegan began his music career in the 1980s, forming the grunge group Screaming Trees with Gary Lee Conner, Van Conner and Mark Pickerel. During his time in the band Lanegan would start a low-key solo career...
s soloalbum album Bubblegum. After the Era Vulgaris tour's end, Troy began touring with his current side project, Sweethead
Sweethead
Sweethead is an American alternative rock group formed in 2008. The group's lineup consists of singer Serrina Sims, guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen , bassist Eddie Nappi and drummer Norm Block .To date, Sweethead have...
.
Musical equipment
According to Troy, the Queens of the Stone AgeQueens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and...
(and Homme in particular) have a "veil of secrecy" regarding their exact setup, in order to maintain a unique guitar sound. However, Troy eventually disclosed some information regarding his gear. He favors semi-hollow guitars due to their natural resonance. To prohibit "bad feedback", he stuffs pieces of foam into the F-holes of some. All of his guitars are fitted with a variety of Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan is a company that is best known for manufacturing of guitar pickups, and currently has a line of effects pedals. The company was founded in 1976 by guitarist and luthier Seymour W. Duncan and his then-wife Cathy Carter Duncan in Goleta, California, USA...
pickups, most often Customs or JB. His guitars are tuned in standard 440, D tuning
D tuning
D Tuning, also called One Step Lower, Whole Step Down, or D Standard, is an alternate tuning for guitar. Each string is lowered by a whole tone or two semitones resulting in D-G-C-F-A-D It is used mostly by heavy metal bands to achieve a heavier, deeper sound and by blues guitarists, who use it to...
and C tuning. He uses Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball was an American entrepreneur, musician, and innovator, widely acclaimed as a revolutionary in the development of guitar-related products. He began as a club and local television musician and small business entrepreneur, building an international business in guitars and accessories that...
10 to 52 for standard tuning, and heavy jazz gauge 12 to 58 for lower tunings. Troy has also said that his live rig is considerably different than what he uses during recording, due to the fact that he considers most of his vintage equipment too unreliable for touring.
In addition to guitar and lap steel, Troy has also plays a Clavia
Clavia
Clavia Digital Musical Instruments is a Swedish manufacturer of virtual analog synthesizers, virtual electromechanical pianos and stage pianos, founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 1983 by Hans Nordelius and Mikael Carlsson.-The Company:...
Nord Electro
Clavia Nord Electro 2
Clavia Nord Electro 2 is an electronic keyboard developed in Sweden, by Clavia.Like its predecessor, the Clavia Nord Electro, consists of carefully sampled and modelled electro-mechanical keyboards: Electric Pianos and Wurlitzer electric pianos, and Hohner Clavinet are sampled...
keyboard during live performances and recordings. After Nick Oliveri
Nick Oliveri
Nick Steven Oliveri is an American musician from Palm Desert, California. He plays bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and is a vocalist...
's departure from the band, Troy has also played an Epiphone Rivoli
Epiphone
The Epiphone Company is a musical instrument manufacturer founded in 1873 by Anastasios Stathopoulos. Epiphone was bought by Chicago Musical Instrument Company, which also owned Gibson Guitar Corporation, in 1957. Epiphone was Gibson's main rival in the archtop market...
bass (or, alternatively, a Custom Yamaha SA-bass
Yamaha
Yamaha may refer to:* Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese company with a wide range of products and services** Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company...
) during several Queens of the Stone Age recordings and tours following Lullabies to Paralyze
Lullabies to Paralyze
Lullabies to Paralyze is the fourth studio album by hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age, released on March 21, 2005. The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200, and sold 97,000 copies in America during its first week of release, eventually topping over 342,000 copies as of March, 2007...
. For the Era Vulgaris
Era Vulgaris (album)
Era Vulgaris is the fifth full length studio album by American hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age. The album was completed in early April 2007 and released on June 8, 2007 in some countries, June 11, 2007 in the United Kingdom and June 12, 2007 in the United States...
album, Troy was the primary lead guitarist—although he also occasionally contributed with keyboards, lap steel, bass, and back up vocals.
Guitars
- Yamaha SA503 TVL - Van Leeuwen's signature semihollow guitar, fitted with three P-90P-90The P-90 is a single coil electric guitar pickup produced by Gibson since 1946. Having a more complex architecture and larger dimensions than Fender's single coils, it is occasionally mistaken for a humbucker.- History :...
pickups, two three way switches and a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. Tuned to E Standard. - Yamaha AES1500YamahaYamaha may refer to:* Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese company with a wide range of products and services** Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company...
- Hollowbody, tuned to C-standard. - Gibson Les PaulGibson Les PaulThe Gibson Les Paul was the result of a design collaboration between Gibson Guitar Corporation and the late jazz guitarist and electronics inventor Les Paul. In 1950, with the introduction of the Fender Telecaster to the musical market, electric guitars became a public craze. In reaction, Gibson...
- Troy has used several different Les Pauls in different finishes, particularly during the Songs for the Deaf tour. - Gibson ES-135Gibson ES-135The Gibson ES-135 is a semi-hollow body electric guitar made by the Gibson Guitar Corporation. Originally introduced in 1956, it was discontinued in 1958...
- Was at one point Troy's main guitar. - Fender Telecaster DeluxeFender Telecaster DeluxeThe Fender Telecaster Deluxe is a solid-body electric guitar originally produced from 1972 to 1981, and since re-issued by Fender in 2004 as the '72 Telecaster Deluxe.-History:...
- 1972 "Keith RichardsKeith RichardsKeith Richards is an English musician, songwriter, and founding member of the Rolling Stones. Rolling Stone magazine said Richards had created "rock's greatest single body of riffs", and placed him as the "10th greatest guitarist of all time." Fourteen songs written by Richards and songwriting...
model" reissue. - Fender Telecaster CustomFender Telecaster CustomFender Telecaster Custom is a model of electric guitar made by Fender. This model should not be confused with the "Fender Custom Telecaster" model manufactured between 1959 and 1968, which only differs from a standard Telecaster in having a bound body...
- Used from Era Vulgaris and onwards for songs in E Standard tuning. - Fender JaguarFender JaguarThe Fender Jaguar is an electric guitar introduced in 1962. A descendant of the Jazzmaster, the Jaguar quickly caught on in the emerging Surf music scene...
- Used from Era Vulgaris and onwards. - Fender JazzmasterFender JazzmasterThe Fender Jazzmaster is an electric guitar designed as an upmarket sibling to the Fender Stratocaster. First introduced at the 1958 NAMM Show, it was initially marketed at jazz guitarists, but found favor among surf rock guitarists in the early 1960s...
- Used from Era Vulgaris and onwards. - Fender Blacktop Jaguar - Used on latest tour.
- Squier Vintage Modified Jazzmaster - Used on latest tour.
- Burns Double SixBurns LondonBurns London is a guitar-making company originally formed in 1960 as Ormston Burns Ltd. It was founded by James Ormston Burns , who has been described as the British Leo Fender...
- 12 stringed model. - Epiphone SupernovaEpiphone SupernovaThe Supernova was a Korean-made electric guitar manufactured by Epiphone for Noel Gallagher of the English rock band Oasis. Noel used a customised Epiphone Sheraton guitar with a Union Jack design during a lot of Oasis shows during the tour promoting the second album Morning Glory? The Epiphone...
- Noel GallagherNoel GallagherNoel Thomas David Gallagher is an English musician and singer-songwriter, formerly the lead guitarist, backing vocalist and principal songwriter of the English rock band Oasis. He is currently fronting his solo project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.Raised in Burnage, Manchester with his...
signature guitar in Manchester City blue finish. - Yamaha SG2000YamahaYamaha may refer to:* Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese company with a wide range of products and services** Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company...
- Used recently. - Various Maton modelsMatonMaton is an Australian manufacturer of guitars and other fretted musical instruments.Maton was founded in 1946 as the Maton Musical Instruments Company by Bill May and his brother Reg...
- Troy occasionally used a solidbody Maton during the Songs for the Deaf tour and a semihollow body during the recording of Lullabies to Paralyze. - Chandler Lap Steel guitarLap steel guitarThe lap steel guitar is a type of steel guitar, an instrument derived from and similar to the guitar. The player changes pitch by pressing a metal or glass bar against the strings instead of by pressing strings against the fingerboard....
- Mahogany body and palm tree fret markers. Tuned to Open E tuning. - Silver Hercos .75mm picksPlectrumA plectrum is a small flat tool used to pluck or strum a stringed instrument. For hand-held instruments such as guitars and mandolins, the plectrum is often called a pick, and is a separate tool held in the player's hand...
- Same picks Jimmy PageJimmy PageJames Patrick "Jimmy" Page, OBE is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and record producer. He began his career as a studio session guitarist in London and was subsequently a member of The Yardbirds from 1966 to 1968, after which he founded the English rock band Led Zeppelin.Jimmy Page...
uses.
Effects
- BOSS SD-1 SUPER OverDriveBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
- BOSS DD-3 Digital DelayBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
- BOSS RV-5 Digital ReverbBoss CorporationBoss is a manufacturer of effects pedals for electric guitar and bass guitar. It is a division of the Roland Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer that specializes in musical equipment and accessories...
- D*A*M Rooster
- D*A*M Meathead
- DigiTech WhammyDigitech Whammy-Overview:The WH-1 Whammy pedal, the original whammy, first engineered and manufactured in 1989 by IVL Technologies and discontinued in 1993, remains the most sought-after.-Controls:...
- DigiTech Double Play Chorus
- MXRMXRMXR, also known as MXR Innovations, was a manufacturer of guitar effects units, co-founded in 1973 by Keith Barr and Terry Sherwood . MXR was based in the United States in Rochester, New York. MXR Innovations, Inc. was incorporated in 1974...
Carbon Copy - Dunlop Cry BabyDunlop Cry BabyThe Dunlop Cry Baby is a popular wah-wah pedal, manufactured by Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. It is the best selling guitar pedal of all time. The name Cry Baby was from the original pedal from which it was copied, the Thomas Organ/Vox Cry Baby wah-wah. Thomas Organ/Vox failed to register the name as...
Wah
- Dunlop Rotovibe
- Ernie BallErnie BallErnie Ball was an American entrepreneur, musician, and innovator, widely acclaimed as a revolutionary in the development of guitar-related products. He began as a club and local television musician and small business entrepreneur, building an international business in guitars and accessories that...
Volume Pedal - Fulltone Mini-Deja Vibe
- Guyatone Spring ReverbReverberationReverberation is the persistence of sound in a particular space after the original sound is removed. A reverberation, or reverb, is created when a sound is produced in an enclosed space causing a large number of echoes to build up and then slowly decay as the sound is absorbed by the walls and air...
- Jacques MS-2 MeisterSinger Analog ChorusChorus effectIn music, a chorus effect occurs when individual sounds with roughly the same timbre and nearly the same pitch converge and are perceived as one...
- KorgKorgis a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures electronic musical instruments, audio processors and guitar pedals, recording equipment, and electronic tuners...
DT-10 Tuner - Lexicon Vortex Reverb
- Line 6 DL4
- Line 6 MM4
- MaxonMaxon Effects PedalsMaxon is the name used by the Nisshin Onpa company of Japan for its line of effects pedals designed for guitar and bass. The unrelated Maxon Corporation is a major global supplier of industrial heating equipment.- History :...
FL-9 FlangerFlangingFlanging is an audio effect produced by mixing two identical signals together, with one signal delayed by a small and gradually changing period, usually smaller than 20 milliseconds. This produces a swept comb filter effect: peaks and notches are produced in the resultant frequency spectrum,... - MaxonMaxon Effects PedalsMaxon is the name used by the Nisshin Onpa company of Japan for its line of effects pedals designed for guitar and bass. The unrelated Maxon Corporation is a major global supplier of industrial heating equipment.- History :...
OD-9 Overdrive - MXR Dyna CompMXR Dyna CompThe MXR Dyna Comp is an effects unit produced by the MXR company intended for use with electric guitar. Made since the 1970s, the MXR Dyna Comp, which adds its own coloring to the tone, has become a frequently copied and widely used guitar effect, even a standard.-History:The MXR Dyna Comp was...
- MXR Q-ZoneMXRMXR, also known as MXR Innovations, was a manufacturer of guitar effects units, co-founded in 1973 by Keith Barr and Terry Sherwood . MXR was based in the United States in Rochester, New York. MXR Innovations, Inc. was incorporated in 1974...
- TC Electronic G-Force
- Voodoo Lab GCX Audio Switcher
- Voodoo Lab Ground Control Pro
- Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus
Amplifiers
- Ampeg VT 22 ComboAmpegAmpeg is primarily a musical instrument amplifier manufacturer headquartered in Woodinville, Washington, though they also manufacture guitars to a small extent...
- vintage 1970s model. Used with a Orange 4x12 Cabinet, Or with a Ampeg 2x12 Cab - VOX AC-50 CPH Classic Plus headVox (musical equipment)Vox is a musical equipment manufacturer which is most famous for making the Vox AC30 guitar amplifier, the Vox Continental electric organ, and a series of innovative but commercially unsuccessful electric guitars and bass guitars...
- Used for lapsteel. Used with a Vox CPH 2x12 Cabinet (Van Leeuwen owns 2 Vox CPH 2x12 Cabs), Van Leeuwen also uses a AC50 head for guitar in conjunction with a Vox CPH 4x12 Cab - VOX Brian May SpecialVox (musical equipment)Vox is a musical equipment manufacturer which is most famous for making the Vox AC30 guitar amplifier, the Vox Continental electric organ, and a series of innovative but commercially unsuccessful electric guitars and bass guitars...
- With treble boost. - VOX AC-15Vox (musical equipment)Vox is a musical equipment manufacturer which is most famous for making the Vox AC30 guitar amplifier, the Vox Continental electric organ, and a series of innovative but commercially unsuccessful electric guitars and bass guitars...
- Used for the salt mine concert. - Bad Cat Black Cat Amplifiers - 30 watt combo used during live performances. Used with a Ampeg 2x12 Cab. Also used with a Ampeg V4 amp head live.
- Bad Cat Cub Amplifier - 15 watt combo during recordings. Uses this with One of Josh Homme's many Ampeg V4 Amp heads, along with the amp above
- 1963 Fender Bassman - Used with a Marshall 4x12 Cabinet
- Vox AC30Vox AC30The Vox AC30 is a guitar amplifier manufactured by Vox and known for its "jangly" high-end sound. First introduced in 1958 due to the growing demand for higher-wattage amplifiers, it became an iconic amplifier for British musicians and soon for others....
- Used on the 2011 tour with a Vox CPH 2x12 Cab
Selected discography
Van Leeuwen has appeared on wide range of albums from various bands and performers from a wide range of genres.| Year | Band or artist | Song or album | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Jester | Jester | Guitar |
| 1995 | 60 Cycle | Pretender | |
| 1996 | 60 Cycle | ||
| 1998 | Korn Korn Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,... |
Freak On A Leash Freak on a Leash "Freak on a Leash" is a song by the American nu metal band Korn, featured on the group's 1998 studio album Follow the Leader. Prior to the album's release, Korn had an instrumental section of the song, described as a "noisy guitar break." The section was taken out of the song after their fans... |
Engineer |
| Orgy Orgy (band) Orgy is an American synth rock band formed in 1996, from Los Angeles, California. Orgy described their music as "death pop".-History:Orgy was formed in 1996 by vocalist Jay Gordon and guitarist Ryan Shuck. Bassist Paige Haley, guitarist Amir Derakh, and drummer Bobby Hewitt soon completed the line-up... |
Candyass Candyass Candyass is the debut album of the rock band Orgy. It was released on August 18, 1998.- Track listing :# "Social Enemies" – 4:05# "Stitches" – 3:18# "Dissention" – 3:31# "Platinum" – 3:42# "Fetisha" – 4:02# "Fiend" – 4:29# "Blue Monday" – 4:26... |
Guitar | |
| 1999 | Coal Chamber Coal Chamber Coal Chamber is an American alternative metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1993. Prior to Coal Chamber, Dez Fafara and Meegs Rascón formed the band She's In Pain in 1992. The two decided to create Coal Chamber. They disbanded in 2003 after ten years together, but announced a reunion in... |
Chamber Music Chamber music Chamber music is a form of classical music, written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber. Most broadly, it includes any art music that is performed by a small number of performers with one performer to a part... |
Keyboards, technical assistant |
| Crazy Town Crazy Town Crazy Town is a rap rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1995 by Bret Mazur and Seth Binzer. The band is best known for their 2001 single, "Butterfly", which reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart... |
The Gift of Game The Gift of Game -Certifications:-Singles:-Personnel:*Bret Mazur – vocals, keyboard*Shifty Shellshock – vocals*DJ AM – turntables*James Bradley Jr. – drums*Rust Epique – guitar*Anthony Valli – guitar*Doug Miller – bass*Troy Van Leeuwen - Guitar on "Darkside"... |
Additional guitar, programming assistant | |
| Deadsy Deadsy Deadsy is an American synth rock band from California. The band is known for its visual iconography and signature characteristics assigned to each band member. Each musician is identified by a specific color, stage name, and graphic tied into the band's theatrical nature. The band has released... |
Commencement Commencement (album) Commencement is the second studio album and major label debut by American rock band Deadsy, released on May 14, 2002. After initially being suspended upon distribution changes at Sire, the album was official released through DreamWorks under the Elementree sub-label. It includes the single "The Key... |
Guitar | |
| 2000 | Professional Murder Music Professional Murder Music Professional Murder Music is an Alternative Rock band, from Los Angeles, California.They are currently signed and own indie label, Wormhole Records. Their music has been used for such film soundtracks as End of Days, Ginger Snaps, Valentine, and Jet Grind Radio, a video game for the Sega Dreamcast.... |
Professional Murder Music Professional Murder Music (album) Professional Murder Music is Professional Murder Music's first album, released in 2001.-Track listing:#"Slow" - 3:58#"Fall Again" - 3:55#"Of Unknown Origin" - 3:59#"Does It Dream" - 4:14#"Darker" - 4:01#"These Days" - 4:30... |
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| A Perfect Circle A Perfect Circle A Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums... |
Mer de Noms Mer de Noms - Symbols :Inside the insert the track names appear to be randomly spelled out in symbols. One way to decipher the symbols is to match the song titles using the normal alphabet with the song titles inside the insert.... |
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| Orgy Orgy (band) Orgy is an American synth rock band formed in 1996, from Los Angeles, California. Orgy described their music as "death pop".-History:Orgy was formed in 1996 by vocalist Jay Gordon and guitarist Ryan Shuck. Bassist Paige Haley, guitarist Amir Derakh, and drummer Bobby Hewitt soon completed the line-up... |
Vapor Transmission Vapor Transmission Vapor Transmission is the second album by American synthrock band Orgy. It was released on October 10, 2000.Some packages of this album included an enhanced CD that contained a demo version of the song "Stitches," a remix, and a video for the single "Fiction ." The aforementioned single received... |
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| 2001 | Limp Bizkit Limp Bizkit Limp Bizkit is an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 1995, the group's lineup consists of Fred Durst , Wes Borland , Sam Rivers , John Otto and DJ Lethal . The band achieved mainstream success with their second studio album Significant Other, released in 1999... |
New Old Songs New Old Songs - Album chart positions :... |
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| 2003 | UNKLE UNKLE Unkle are a British musical outfit founded in 1994 by school friends James Lavelle and Tim Goldsworthy. Originally categorized as trip-hop, the group once included producer DJ Shadow and have employed a variety of guest artists and producers.-First incarnation :Lavelle and Goldsworthy were joined... |
Never, Never, Land Never, Never, Land Never, Never, Land is the second album by the British electronic music act UNKLE, released on . On an expanded edition entitled Never, Never, Land Revisited was released. The original album debuted at #71 in Australia... |
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| A Perfect Circle A Perfect Circle A Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums... |
Thirteenth Step Thirteenth Step Thirteenth Step is the second studio album by American rock band A Perfect Circle, released under Compact Disc format on September 16, 2003. It was a major success reaching the #2 position on the Billboard 200 in its premiere week, selling over 231,000 copies and staying on the charts for 78 weeks.... |
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| Slaves on Dope Slaves on Dope Slaves on Dope is a Canadian Hard Rock band, based out of Montreal, Canada.The band was formed in the 1993 by Jason Rockman and Avrum Nadigel highly influenced by the "Grunge" era... |
Metafour | Production | |
| Mondo Generator Mondo Generator Mondo Generator is an American metal/punk hybrid band founded in 1997 by Nick Oliveri. The name of the band originated when Brant Bjork spray-painted the words on the side of Oliveri's Sunn amplifier. Mondo means "world" in Italian... |
A Drug Problem That Never Existed A Drug Problem That Never Existed A Drug Problem That Never Existed is an album released by Mondo Generator on the Rekords Rekords label in 2003. It takes its name from a line in The Frogs' "I've Got Drugs ", from their album It's Only Right and Natural... |
Additional performer | |
| The Desert Sessions The Desert Sessions The Desert Sessions are a musical collective series, founded by Josh Homme in 1997. Artists such as Brant Bjork, PJ Harvey, Jeordie White The Desert Sessions are a musical collective series, founded by Josh Homme in 1997. Artists such as Brant Bjork, PJ Harvey, Jeordie White The Desert Sessions are... |
Vol 9: I See You Hearin' Me | Guitar, lap steel, bass | |
| Vol 10: I Heart Disco | |||
| 2004 | Failure Failure (band) Failure was an American rock band that was active from 1990 to 1997, during which they recorded and released three critically acclaimed albums... |
Golden | Guitar |
| A Perfect Circle A Perfect Circle A Perfect Circle is an American rock supergroup formed in 1999 by guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The original incarnation of the band also included Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums... |
aMotion AMOTION -Personnel:* Christopher Abbas – Director* Josh Abrahams – Remixing* Tim Alexander – Group member* Ken Andrews – Mixing* Wes Borland – Remixing* Brothers Strause – Director* Jerry Casale – Director... |
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| Orgy Orgy (band) Orgy is an American synth rock band formed in 1996, from Los Angeles, California. Orgy described their music as "death pop".-History:Orgy was formed in 1996 by vocalist Jay Gordon and guitarist Ryan Shuck. Bassist Paige Haley, guitarist Amir Derakh, and drummer Bobby Hewitt soon completed the line-up... |
Punk Statik Paranoia Punk Statik Paranoia Punk Statik Paranoia is the third album by the synth rock band Orgy. It was released on February 24, 2004.The album's style is a big departure from the industrial and electronic sound that was present in Candyass and Vapor Transmission, leaning more to a nu-metal sound similar to bands like Korn... |
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| 2005 | Queens of the Stone Age Queens of the Stone Age Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and... |
Lullabies to Paralyze Lullabies to Paralyze Lullabies to Paralyze is the fourth studio album by hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age, released on March 21, 2005. The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200, and sold 97,000 copies in America during its first week of release, eventually topping over 342,000 copies as of March, 2007... |
Guitar, bass, lap steel, piano, keyboards, handclaps, vocals |
| Over The Years And Through The Woods Over the Years and Through the Woods Over the Years and Through the Woods is the title of a live album and video by Queens of the Stone Age.The release features material on audio CD as well as video DVD — both recorded at London's Brixton Academy on Monday August 22, 2005 and KOKO on Tuesday August 23, 2005... |
Guitar, lap steel, bass, vocals | ||
| Mark Lanegan Band | Bubblegum | Guitar, piano | |
| Enemy Enemy (band) Enemy is an American band fronted by guitarist and vocalist Troy Van Leeuwen , with bassist Eddie Nappi and drummer Kelli Scott . Former Quicksand drummer Alan Cage was a founding member before being replaced by Scott... |
Hooray For Dark Matter Hooray For Dark Matter Hooray For Dark Matter was the debut album from Troy Van Leeuwen's side-project group Enemy. -Track listing:#"Action" - 3:41#"Clean" - 3:48#"Freeway" - 2:58#"The Treatment" - 4:35#"Locust Sky Zone" - 3:48... |
Vocals, guitar, mixing, production | |
| 2006 | Failure Failure (band) Failure was an American rock band that was active from 1990 to 1997, during which they recorded and released three critically acclaimed albums... |
Essentials | Guitar |
| J-AX | Di Sana Pianta | Chitarrone | |
| Eagles of Death Metal Eagles of Death Metal Eagles of Death Metal is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, formed in 1998 by Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme. Despite their band name, Eagles of Death Metal are not a death metal band. Hughes stated that a friend was introducing Josh Homme to the death metal genre... |
Death by Sexy Death by Sexy Death by Sexy is the title of the second album by the American rock group Eagles of Death Metal. It was rumoured to be released in summer 2005 but was pushed back to April 11, 2006.... |
Performer, piano, backing vocals | |
| 2007 | Queens of the Stone Age Queens of the Stone Age Queens of the Stone Age is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, United States, formed in 1997. The band's line-up has always included founding member Josh Homme , with the current line-up including longtime members Troy Van Leeuwen and Joey Castillo , alongside Michael Shuman and... |
Era Vulgaris Era Vulgaris (album) Era Vulgaris is the fifth full length studio album by American hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age. The album was completed in early April 2007 and released on June 8, 2007 in some countries, June 11, 2007 in the United Kingdom and June 12, 2007 in the United States... |
Guitar, bass, lap steel, piano, keyboard, vocals |
| 2008 | Eagles of Death Metal Eagles of Death Metal Eagles of Death Metal is an American rock band from Palm Desert, California, formed in 1998 by Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme. Despite their band name, Eagles of Death Metal are not a death metal band. Hughes stated that a friend was introducing Josh Homme to the death metal genre... |
Heart On Heart On Heart On is the third studio album from American rock band Eagles of Death Metal, released on Oct 28, 2008.When asked about the album, lead singer Jesse Hughes stated: "EODM's latest fabulous weapon, a top-secret music missile, a sonic warhead sexually tipped for her pleasure, shot from the deck of... |
Vocals |
| The Gutter Twins The Gutter Twins The Gutter Twins is a musical collaboration between rock musicians Greg Dulli and Mark Lanegan. Dulli and Lanegan have regularly contributed to each other's projects since 2000, most notably in Dulli's Twilight Singers; of the duo's origins, Dulli said "I think Mark told a journalist we were doing... |
Saturnalia Saturnalia Saturnalia is an Ancient Roman festival/ celebration held in honour of Saturn , the youngest of the Titans, father of the major gods of the Greeks and Romans, and son of Uranus and Gaia... |
Guitar | |
| 2009 | Sweethead Sweethead Sweethead is an American alternative rock group formed in 2008. The group's lineup consists of singer Serrina Sims, guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen , bassist Eddie Nappi and drummer Norm Block .To date, Sweethead have... |
The Great Disruptors The Great Disruptors -Personnel:Sweethead*Serrina Sims – vocals*Troy Van Leeuwen – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, bass*Eddie Nappi – bass*Norm Block – drumsProduction personnel*Troy Van Leeuwen – production, mixing, engineering... |
Guitar, bass, backing vocals, production, mixing |
| Sweethead Sweethead (album) -Personnel:Sweethead*Serrina Sims – vocals*Troy Van Leeuwen – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards, bass*Eddie Nappi – bass*Norm Block – drumsProduction personnel*Troy Van Leeuwen – production, mixing, engineering*Norm Block – engineering... |
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| Hello=Fire | Hello=Fire Hello=Fire Hello=Fire is the debut album of Dean Fertita's solo project with the same name. The album was recorded at various studios while Fertita was on tour with Queens of the Stone Age. The album features guest appearances by band members from Queens of the Stone Age, Brendan Benson who also produced the... |
Bass |