Queens of the Stone Age have unveiled an extraordinary concert film titled Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs, which was expertly filmed in the hauntingly beautiful Catacombs of Paris. This groundbreaking project was recorded in July 2024 and represents a historic moment in music, as it is the first instance where an artist has been granted permission to perform within these legendary tombs. Nestled beneath the bustling streets of Paris, the Catacombs stretch approximately 200 miles and house the remains of several million individuals laid to rest during the 1700s. Most of the skeletal remains are visible, creating a chilling yet captivating backdrop for the band’s performance, essentially playing to an audience of the deceased.

Frontman Josh Homme humorously reflected on the experience, stating, “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,” underscoring the unique atmosphere of the performance. He quipped that this Catacombs show featured “the biggest audience we’ve ever played for,” highlighting the surreal nature of performing in such a historic and eerie location.

For over two decades, Homme had envisioned having Queens of the Stone Age perform in these ancient tombs, but the idea seemed far-fetched, especially since the city of Paris had never approved such an endeavor until now. The dream finally materialized, allowing the band to connect with the deep history and mystique surrounding the Catacombs.

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According to Hélène Furminieux, a representative for Les Catacombes de Paris, “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.” She emphasized that exploring the depths of the Catacombs and confronting themes of death can lead to a profoundly moving experience. Homme seemed to embody this sentiment, feeling the weight of the space’s potential in both body and spirit. The recordings produced resonate with the mystery and history of this unique venue, revealing a certain introspection that is particularly evident in the masterful use of silence within the Catacombs.

Experience a Unique Performance with Queens of the Stone Age in the Catacombs

The Queens of the Stone Age performance was meticulously crafted to suit the extraordinary location, featuring a specialized set list and carefully reworked song arrangements that echo the distinctive ambiance of the Catacombs. Homme expressed, “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.” He elaborated that attempting to rock out in such a solemn environment would be absurd, asserting, “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.”

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Despite the absence of traditional electricity, the band ingeniously utilized a car battery to power their electric piano, which allowed them to infuse raw emotion into their songs. Enhancing the performance, they were joined by a three-piece string section that added further depth and richness to their music. This performance was recorded live in a single take, showcasing the authenticity of their sound without any overdubs or edits, capturing the essence of the moment.

Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs is set to be released on June 5 and is available for pre-order now. Furthermore, the band has announced plans to unveil a live album version of this remarkable performance in the upcoming weeks.

Watch the Trailer for Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs