“Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs” to be released on June 5th

Queens of the Stone Age have revealed a one-of-a-kind concert video that was filmed in Paris’s Catacombs. Recorded in July 2024, “Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs” is the first time an artist has been granted permission to perform inside the renowned tombs. The Catacombs, which are almost 200 miles long and beneath the city of Paris, are home to several million bodies that were interred there in the 1700s. The majority of the skeletons are still visible, indicating that Queens of the Stone Age were entertaining a group of the deceased. For over two decades, Homme had a goal of performing in the old graves; the concept was unrealistic, though, given that Paris had never approved such an endeavor.

If you’re ever going to be haunted, surrounded by several million dead people is the place. I’ve never felt so welcome in my life. The biggest audience we’ve ever played for.

The Catacombs of Paris are a fertile ground for the imagination. It is important to us that artists take hold of this universe and offer a sensitive interpretation of it. Going underground and confronting reflections on death can be a deeply intense experience. 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.

Hélène Furminieux, a representative for Les Catacombes de Paris

With a customized set list and revised song arrangements created to capture the unique experience, Queens of the Stone Age‘s performance was tailored to the venue. With just a vehicle battery to power their electric piano and no electricity, Queens of the Stone Age were able to use unadulterated passion to bring their songs to life. A three-piece string section joined the band for the performance, giving the songs additional depth. There were no edits or overdubs; everything was captured live in a single take. “Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs” is currently available for pre-order and will be published on June 5. The band also stated that in the upcoming weeks, a live record version of the performance will be revealed.

We’re so stripped down because that place is so stripped down, which makes the music so stripped down, which makes the words so stripped down. It would be ridiculous to try to rock there. All those decisions were made by that space. That space dictates everything, it’s in charge. You do what you’re told when you’re in there.