Get ready to experience Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) like never before. This fall, the band embarks on The Catacombs Tour, a limited series of exclusive performances in some of North America’s most iconic historic theaters. These one-night-only shows promise an intimate and unforgettable journey, reimagining QOTSA’s music in ways that will captivate fans old and new.
The tour draws its essence from the band’s groundbreaking cinematic and musical project, Queens of the Stone Age: Alive In The Catacombs. Filmed in July 2024 in the eerie, bone-laden tunnels of the Paris Catacombs, this project saw QOTSA perform a carefully curated setlist spanning their catalog, reimagined with haunting new arrangements. The result was described as “awe-inspiring” by DIY magazine, “completely unique” by Clash, “incredibly special” by Kerrang!, and “revelatory” by Uncut.
The Catacombs of Paris, a 200-mile ossuary holding millions of skeletal remains from the 1700s, provided an otherworldly backdrop. Joshua Homme, QOTSA’s frontman, had dreamed of performing there for nearly two decades, but the city had never before allowed an artist to play in its sacred tunnels. After gaining approval, the band embraced the challenge, crafting a performance that honored the space’s raw, haunting atmosphere. As Homme noted, “That space dictates everything, it’s in charge. You do what you’re told when you’re in there.”
The Alive In The Catacombs film, produced by La Blogothèque and directed by Thomas Rames, captures QOTSA at their most elemental. Stripped of modern production comforts, the band used minimal equipment—augmented by a three-piece string section, chains, chopsticks, and even a car battery to power an electric piano. Every song was recorded live in a single take, with no overdubs or edits, resulting in a raw, unfiltered performance that balances subtlety and grandeur.
The Catacombs Tour brings the spirit of this subterranean experience to North America’s grandest theaters. Featuring all-new arrangements tailored for these historic venues, the shows will see QOTSA—Joshua Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita, and Jon Theodore—joined by additional ensembles to create a sound that’s both intimate and expansive. Expect reimagined versions of their classics, with the volume and intensity dialed up and down to evoke the Catacombs’ unique atmosphere.
These performances will be unlike any previous QOTSA tour, offering a rare chance to see the band at their most vulnerable yet triumphant. Fans are encouraged to dress the part, as the elegance of these venues calls for a night as visually striking as the music will be.
North American Tour Dates
Mark your calendars for these exclusive performances:
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Oct. 02 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
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Oct. 03 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
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Oct. 05 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
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Oct. 07 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
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Oct. 08 – Boston, MA – Wang Theatre – Boch Center
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Oct. 10 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
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Nov. 08 – Santa Barbara, CA – Arlington Theatre
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Nov. 10 – San Francisco, CA – Davies Symphony Hall
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Nov. 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Dolby Theater
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Nov. 19 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
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Nov. 21 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre
Tickets go on sale June 27 at 10 a.m. local time via qotsa.com. The European leg of the tour will be announced soon, so stay tuned.
The Alive In The Catacombs film is a testament to QOTSA’s willingness to push boundaries. Performed amidst millions of human remains—“the biggest audience we’ve ever played for,” Homme quipped—the project required the band to adapt to the Catacombs’ natural acoustics, from dripping water to echoing resonance. Every element, from song selection to lighting, was designed with deference to the space’s solemnity.
Hélène Furminieux of Les Catacombes de Paris praised the band’s approach: “Josh seems to have felt in his body and soul the full potential of this place. The recordings resonate perfectly with the mystery, history, and a certain introspection, notably perceptible in the subtle use of the silence within the Catacombs.”
The film, available to rent or purchase at qotsa.com, is a must-see for fans, offering a glimpse of QOTSA at their most raw and powerful. It’s a reminder of why they remain one of rock’s most innovative forces.
The Catacombs Tour is more than a concert series—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends QOTSA’s signature intensity with an unprecedented level of intimacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, these shows promise to reveal new dimensions of Queens of the Stone Age. Secure your tickets, dress to impress, and prepare to be transported.
