QUEENS of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme didn’t back down when he came face-to-face with two crocodiles.

Back in April, when the US rockstars announced their first ever gig in the Top End, Homme said he had wanted to get up close and personal with a saltie while on tour in Darwin.

When handed a 60cm reptile Sunday night, Homme didn’t hesitate to stare eye-to-eye with the prehistoric beast, and soon had command over two of the young reptiles.

Other members of the band weren’t so fearless.

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While drummer Jon Theodore admitted he wasn’t keen to get too close, Homme appeared relaxed and comfortable around the unpredictable pair of ancient animals.

“Those are dinosaurs, they are so perfect at what they do and it is only now we get that and let them own that,” Homme said.

“Even 60 years ago, we didn’t get it.

“Anything that you cannot negotiate with, that you can’t go ‘whoa, whoa, whoa, wait ... wait’ deserves respect.

“And I’m thinking ‘OK, Jon Theodore tastes much better.’ Jon is surfing in the Chum bathing suit I bought him.”

One of the excited punters told the NT News the sold out gig was one of the best gigs they’d ever seen.

The brush with the two energetic crocodiles in a room backstage got their adrenaline pumping before performing to a sold-out crowd at the Darwin Convention Centre.

Ngukurr rockers Lonely Boys warmed up the crowd in the style only bush bands know how.

About 3000 people then packed the hall as the Queens took to the stage, in full-belting rock star glory.