Queens of the Stone Age Announces Historic ‘Catacombs Tour’ Across North America
Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) is back on the road this fall with an electrifying new North American tour, dubbed “The Catacombs Tour,” that promises nothing less than a revolutionary live experience. This is not your average arena run but a limited series of special one-night-only performances at some of North America’s oldest and most celebrated theaters, designed to showcase the band’s raw rock power while honoring cultural landmarks. Inspired by their recent Alive in the Catacombs concert film, which famously captured the band performing inside the eerie catacombs beneath Paris, QOTSA is set to reimagine their sound in intimate venues from Chicago to New Orleans, twisting the volume knob both ways with deeply reworked arrangements.
Queens of the Stone Age’s Catacombs Tour redefines the concert experience by blending music with theater history, a bold step that reminds us why real rock reigns supreme.
The tour commences on October 2 at the iconic Chicago Theatre and wraps up November 21 at New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre, traveling through a patchwork of stunning, historic locations like Detroit’s Fox Theatre, Toronto’s Massey Hall, and Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre. Fans eager to claim tickets can access an artist pre-sale beginning June 24 (code ALIVE25), followed by a Live Nation pre-sale on June 25 (code TREBLE), with the public sale launching on June 27 at 10 a.m. local time.
After a tough stretch in 2024 when frontman Joshua Homme (R) had to undergo emergency surgery, sidelining the band’s performances, the return of QOTSA signaled by this tour is a victory lap for American rock resilience. Their most recent studio album, “In Times New Roman…” released in 2023, feeds into this momentum with fresh material getting transformed in concert, making this tour a unique moment not to miss. Fans are also encouraged to suit up for the event, bringing a bit of class and honoring the historic theater vibe.
Intimate Historic Theaters Host Queens of the Stone Age’s Reimagined Sound
Queens of the Stone Age have taken a daring leap, leaving behind traditional, crowded rock venues for an elegant, theater-based tour. This shift to historic theaters across North America harks back to the golden age of live performance, providing a setting worthy of their evolved sound. This Catacombs Tour is defined by all-new arrangements and the assembly of unique ensembles, delivering performances unlike anything QOTSA fans have heard before. The band draws directly from the creative process behind the cinematic “Alive in the Catacombs” project, a raw, acoustic-infused performance filmed among the underground tunnels of Paris, an innovative spectacle that earned high praise for its artistry and atmosphere.
“We’re diving deep into history, not just with the venues but the way we’re presenting these songs,” Josh Homme told fans. “It’s about connecting on another level, stripping things back and twisting the sounds into something fresh and striking.”
Each night will be a one-off event at venues that have housed legendary performers for generations, giving the Catacombs Tour an exclusive aura. Cities on the route include Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Santa Barbara, and Austin, allowing fans coast-to-coast a chance to witness this rare blend of rock and theatrical performance.
Such an approach fits perfectly in the post-pandemic age, where audiences crave concert experiences that go beyond just volume and flashing lights. Theaters lend themselves to nuanced sound dynamics, a quality QOTSA is exploiting with skillful new arrangements that highlight the band’s musicianship and creative depths. Fans will hear renditions of tracks from across their eight-album discography, especially material from their 2023 album that has been reworked to suit these intimate settings.
As tickets went on sale, anticipation skyrocketed, marking the tour as not only a comeback after a forced hiatus due to Homme’s emergency surgery but a triumphant reassertion of QOTSA’s place on the modern rock stage. The band’s ability to innovate while respecting rock tradition cements them as torchbearers for a new generation.
The Catacombs Tour Elevates Rock Music Amid Shifting Cultural Landscapes
Queens of the Stone Age’s decision to embark on a theater-based tour comes at a moment when live music is regaining its footing amid cultural volatility. Their approach to “The Catacombs Tour” reflects a broader conservative appreciation for celebrating America’s historic venues and cultural roots while embracing bold artistic expression. The tour’s focus on historic North American theaters demonstrates reverence for architectural heritage, a strong conservative value amid modern debates about preserving national identity.
The tour’s nod to history and tradition is not just aesthetic but symbolic, reaffirming a commitment to our cultural foundations in a rapidly changing world.
Moreover, the band’s perseverance through the setback of Joshua Homme’s emergency surgery last summer, when multiple 2024 shows were canceled, underscores the grit and resilience embodied by rock legends. This ability to rebound with an innovative tour connecting classic venues and fresh performance styles is a testament to conservative ideals of determination and revival.
Built on a foundation of eight studio albums, including the recent “In Times New Roman…,” Queens of the Stone Age represents an enduring force in rock music that respects legacy while pushing boundaries. They demonstrate how American artists can succeed by harnessing tradition and innovation together, reminding audiences that the heart of rock remains alive in historic spaces and fresh ideas alike.
Finally, encouraging fans to don appropriate theater attire for the shows reflects an element of decorum and respect for live performance that too often falls by the wayside in contemporary concert culture. This gesture acknowledges not just the band’s music but the importance of honoring the venues themselves, inviting audiences to elevate their concert-going experience in a manner that aligns with conservative respect for culture, order, and tradition.
