QOTSA are returning to the States this spring. The trek will follow dates in Japan and Australia.

The Queens sold out nearly every show on their previous U.S. run – last June through October. With a few exceptions, they’ll be concentrating on theatres in the southern states.

If non-stop touring didn’t keep the band busy enough, three of the dudes – Josh Homme, Nick Oliveri, and Troy Van Leeuwen – have taken on a couple of side projects.

Homme is making plans for the ninth Desert Sessions album. For the 2003 installation, he’s said to be joined by Twiggy Ramirez (formerly of Marilyn Manson), Dean Ween, and maybe even PJ Harvey.

The musicians will meet up at the usual location of Joshua Tree National Park in California in February, between QOTSA’s Australian and American tours.

Both Homme and Van Leeuwen were contributing artists to U.N.K.L.E.’s sophomore album while Oliveri is putting the wraps on the second offering from his side band, Mondo Generator.

And let’s not forget that Grammy nomination. QOTSA are up for hard rock performance for the single “No One Knows” from their album Songs For The Deaf.