John Garcia uplifts local bands, weighs in on Kyuss reunion talk ahead of Pioneertown show

Yahoo

14-07-2025

John Garcia doesn't carry himself like a rock star, even though he's one of the most defining voices to ever come out of the California desert.
During a recent phone interview, the former Kyuss vocalist and Palm Springs resident expressed support for the local music scene and wanted to promote two local bands — Empty Seat and Whitewater — who are opening his homecoming show on Saturday, July 19 at Pappy and Harriet's.
Garcia reiterated during our discussion that the Coachella Valley has a rich music scene beyond the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach country music festival. He said he chose Empty Seat and Whitewater to represent said music scene after watching them perform in a local battle of the bands contest that he judged last year.
"I've been where they are, trying to get people to hear what you're doing, and if I can give them a platform, even for one night, I will. This show is more than me getting back on stage, it's about putting the spotlight on some of the best talent in the desert right now and showing people this scene is alive and well," Garcia said.
Empty Seat lead vocalist Erin Marie said she appreciates Garcia for "seeing something special" in the band, which includes Anthony Ferrer (guitar), Matt King (bass) and Rickey Villalobos (drums).
"This is a very competitive world, and it's hard to find people who want to bring other people up with them," she said. "We are very excited to open up for John, and I admire him for having so much passion for the desert music scene. He's the star here, but he is giving us the opportunity to shine. It's inspiring, and I too want to do this for others as we progress on our musical journey."
Whitewater is led by former Pescaterritory guitarist Jason Zembo. According to the band's website, Whitewater was founded in 2023 and has already performed at notable venues, including the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood and the House of Blues in Anaheim.
Kyuss, which created the genre of desert rock, formed in 1987 in Palm Desert featuring Garcia, guitarist Josh Homme, bassist Chris Cockrell, rhythm guitarist/bassist Nick Oliveri and drummer Brant Bjork. Later members included bassist Scott Reeder and drummer Alfredo Hernández. The band blended punk, metal and classic rock into a signature sound and released four albums, and toured with bands such as Metallica and White Zombie before breaking up in 1995. Homme went on to form Queens of the Stone Age and cofounded Eagles of Death Metal with former Palm Desert resident Jesse Hughes.
During a June 20 video interview featuring Garcia's former Kyuss bandmate and Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme by Kyuss World founder Nathan Lawver, Homme was asked about the likelihood of a Kyuss reunion and said, "It's possible."
Garcia said that despite the stormy relationship between he and Homme following Kyuss' 1995 breakup and the 2012 lawsuit filed by Homme and former bassist Scott Reeder against him, drummer Brant Bjork and bassist Nick Oliveri for having toured under the name Kyuss Lives, he'd "welcome the call" from Homme.
"If that call ever comes, unequivocally and undeniably, it's a big yes for me to share the stage with Josh, Scott Reeder, Nick Oliveri, Brant Bjork, and Alfredo Hernández. It would be a dream come true again. Will it happen? Who knows? Am I holding my breath? No. Life goes on with or without. Whatever has happened in the past is in the past, and I wish all of those gentlemen that I just mentioned nothing but the best," Garcia said.
Looking back on the Kyuss breakup, Garcia said, "I've grown up and I'm a different person than I was back then."
"The best thing that could have happened to me was Kyuss breaking up, that gave me the biggest slice of humble pie that I'd ever had jammed down my throat, and it was very good for me," Garcia said.
After leaving Kyuss, Garcia continued to front new projects such as Slo Burn, Unida and Hermano and then as a solo artist. But his love for animals led to a full-time career as a veterinary technician at the Palm Springs Animal Hospital, where his wife Wendy also works. His backing band, which includes an all-star cast of local musicians such as former Dwarves drummer Greg Saenz, Yawning Man bassist Billy Cordell and guitarist John Bennet — also have day jobs. Saenz is a bartender at Tamarisk Country Club, Cordell is a certified yoga instructor and owns Bliss Chakra Spa in Palm Desert, and Bennet is an English teacher.
Garcia noted that "the moons have to align just right" to secure approval from both bosses and spouses for this month-long North American tour. The tour began on June 26 in San Diego and includes stops in Sacramento, Seattle, Calgary and Denver, and concludes on July 19 at Pappy and Harriet's.
"This tour is for everybody. I got off stage last night, went to the merchandise booth, took some pictures, signed some records and I was floored with the appreciation and was just so appreciative to have people still buying tickets," Garcia said. "Will I be packing my fishing pole? Yes, because I have to get some fishing in somewhere along the lines, this is also my vacation."
Garcia said he hopes to have a new solo album ready in 2027 and the writing sessions have already begun. As for whether a Kyuss reunion happens or not, he seems more focused on the present and playing music on his terms.
"If this is the last tour I ever do, I'd be content. But as long as there are people out there who want to hear the music, and as long as I'm healthy and having fun, I'll keep doing it," Garcia said.
Returning to the desert and performing at Pappy and Harriet's feels personal. This will be his third time performing at the Pioneertown roadhouse.
"It's home turf, and there's nothing like playing in front of friends, family and the community that shaped who I am. I still get nervous and excited. That doesn't go away, no matter how long you've been doing this," Garcia said. "Right now, I'm just thankful and can't wait to get back on that Pappy's stage. It's going to be a hell of a night."
What: John Garcia and The Bastards Rata with Whitewater and Empty Seat
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19
Where: Pappy and Harriet's, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown
Cost: 42.74
More info: pappyandharriets.com
Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment for the Desert Sun. He can be reached at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: John Garcia: Kyuss reunion possibility, uplifting local bands