Josh Homme recently commented on the upcoming direction for Queens of the Stone Age. He addressed the band’s future in a statement shared on CVindependent.
Homme discussed how the band plans to announce tours and surprise audiences with their approach. He emphasized the mystery surrounding their upcoming work and explained the philosophy behind keeping details under wraps during the initial rollout.
“I love to announce tours and not say anything about what they’re going to be like, and those first few shows shock and surprise and awe people,” Homme said. “The Catacombs film and the tour is a sort of announcement of a new era. We’re just going to take the mantra of, ‘We’re just going to do anything,’ and amplify that even more.”
Homme also reflected on his evolving appreciation for the creative process beyond songwriting and recording. He highlighted the importance of how music is presented to the world, describing it as an art form in itself.
“Making music and spending time really crafting that, and doing that until you love it, is one part of the process, and the next is finding an interesting way of leaving breadcrumbs and making that mystery unfurling,” he continued.
“The hints and the suggestions and the misdirection and the darkness and the light—that’s a fun puzzle and a bit of music in its own manner as well. There’s a melody to how to release something and to enjoy teasing. There’s something almost overtly sexual about it, too. There’s a lot of foreplay there, and I think it’s a shame to skip all that stuff.”
The band’s cryptic approach is already materializing through their ambitious 2025 initiative. Ticketmaster confirms that Queens of the Stone Age has launched the “Alive in the Catacombs Tour,” a theatrical reimagining of their live performances. This marks a significant departure from traditional rock concerts.
The tour showcases a stripped-down, somber, and cinematic sound that diverges from their usual rock style. The Independent reported that the special “Catacombs Tour” of historic theaters has already dazzled audiences with its fresh chamber rock character. The performances feature orchestral backing, theatrical lighting, and a multi-act structure designed to create a transformational live experience rather than straightforward rock concerts.
The tour visits historic theaters across the U.S. and Europe. Notable venues include the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, the Beacon Theater in New York City, and Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. The Channels documented the Arlington Theatre performance on November 8, which featured artificial fog, vibrant red lights, and a three-act structure. The experience created an incredibly atmospheric and theatrical setting, with the band reinterpreting deep cuts alongside new material.
The new material being performed on the tour includes songs like “Hideaway” and “You Got a Killer Scene There.” These tracks further confirm the band’s evolving sound and stage presentation under Homme’s direction. This experimental phase represents a bold artistic statement, combining theatrical rock elements with site-specific concerts in historic venues that complement the Catacombs concept.
The band’s new era appears poised to build anticipation through strategic mystery and creative presentation. Homme’s philosophy of “leaving breadcrumbs” and creating mystery is already evident in how the Catacombs project unfolds across multiple mediums—from the theatrical tour to the accompanying film.
