Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme recently opened up about turning down a lucrative endorsement opportunity. He explained his decision to walk away from a major gear deal in an interview with Guitar World.
The rock musician discussed his experience with Ampeg, who approached him about remaking vintage amplifier equipment. He also explained why he ultimately felt the partnership wasn’t right for him.
“Years ago, Ampeg came to me about remaking the VT 40, and I was a little suspicious, because I’ve never really done endorsements,” Homme said. “That’s not my thing. I don’t work for you, man.”
The guitarist went on to explain how the company’s approach made him feel uncomfortable about the potential collaboration.
“With the way Ampeg approached me, what they wanted to do, and how they wanted to treat me, I felt like I was being used,” he continued. “It was like, ‘All right, you’re the only person playing this since Keith Richards, so we want to use that image, but we want to make the amp like this…'”
Homme made it clear that despite his respect for the brand, he wasn’t willing to compromise his principles for the deal.
“Honestly, I wasn’t having it. And I love Ampeg. I have so much Ampeg gear,” he said. “But life is about what it is now, not what it was. I’m not a puppet that you can put your hand up its ass and make do stuff.”
The amplifier at the center of this discussion holds significant historical importance in rock music. Reverb reported that the VT-40 is a vintage 60-watt tube combo amp with a 4×10″ speaker configuration that was produced from 1971 to 1980.
The amp’s reputation among musicians stems from its distinctive sound characteristics and robust construction. Equipboard noted that the VT-40 is known for its thick tone that stays clean at high volumes. However, its approximately 70-pound weight makes it a substantial piece of equipment to transport.
The amplifier’s design reflects the era’s approach to guitar amplification. It features two channels and seven silver control knobs for volume, treble, middle, bass, and reverb settings. Blue Book of Guitar Values indicated that this configuration provided musicians with versatile tonal options that could accommodate both guitar and bass applications.
The VT-40’s association with legendary musicians like Keith Richards, as mentioned by Homme, underscores its place in rock history. TalkBass discussions revealed that the amp’s versatility extended beyond guitar use. Some musicians successfully employed it for bass applications due to its robust low-end response and overall sonic character.
Homme’s decision to walk away from the Ampeg deal reflects a broader conversation about artist integrity in an industry where endorsement deals are increasingly common. His stance demonstrates how established musicians navigate the balance between commercial opportunities and maintaining their artistic independence.
