Formed in Los Angeles in 2009, Them Crooked Vultures emerged as one of the most formidable rock supergroups of its era, bringing together a legendary trio of musicians from different generations of rock royalty. The band consisted of Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme on guitar and lead vocals, the iconic Led Zeppelin multi-instrumentalist John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and Foo Fighters leader and former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl behind the kit, with guitarist Alain Johannes joining for live performances. This convergence of distinct yet complementary talents created a powerhouse act defined by heavy, intricate, and blues-infused rock.

The project began with recording sessions in early 2009, shrouded in secrecy and immense anticipation. Them Crooked Vultures made their explosive live debut on August 9, 2009, at the Metro in Chicago, instantly captivating the rock world. They followed with a European debut and embarked on the extensive Deserve the Future Tour later that year. Their self-titled debut album, "Them Crooked Vultures," arrived in November 2009, showcasing a dense, masterful blend of stoner rock, psychedelia, and progressive elements. The album debuted at number twelve on the Billboard 200 and was preceded by the single "New Fang," which later earned the group the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2011.

Following their intense touring cycle, which extended into 2010, the band entered a prolonged hiatus. Each member returned to their primary projects, with Josh Homme focusing on Queens of the Stone Age, Dave Grohl on Foo Fighters, and John Paul Jones on various solo and collaborative works. Despite the hiatus, all three principals consistently expressed a strong desire to reconvene for a second album, citing conflicting schedules as the primary obstacle to a full-scale reunion.

The band's long-awaited return to the stage came over a decade later, in September 2022, for a pair of emotional tribute concerts honoring the late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. Them Crooked Vultures performed at both London's Wembley Stadium and the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, with Greg Kurstin joining on keyboards, delivering a powerful reminder of their potent chemistry. The supergroup's legacy endures, with their sole album maintaining a cult status and critics like Jeff Mezydlo of Yardbarker including them in 2025 among the greatest metal acts formed in the 2000s. Them Crooked Vultures remains a celebrated, if sporadic, collaboration whose potential for future activity continues to intrigue fans worldwide.