Queens of the Stone Age‘s frontman, Josh Homme, has revealed that the band will be the first to perform a concert in the historic Catacombs of Paris. The announcement was made during a press conference at the recent Hellfest festival in Clisson, France. This unique performance, which we totally believe they should name “Rocking The Underworld”, will also be recorded for future release.
Homme shared his excitement, stating: “In a week’s time or so, we’re gonna play in the Paris Catacombs, and we’ll be the first band to do so. And I’ve been working on it for 18 years, trying to get myself inside of this exalted place in Paris. And it’s completely live.” The event is not only a milestone for the band, but a personal achievement for Homme, who has long sought to perform in this legendary venue.
Regarding the recording of the concert, Josh explained: “I’d like to take some of these ideas, which are sort of ubiquitous, like a live record, and do something a little different with them. Because I think with the way the Internet is, people can see us play live so simply, in so many different ways, that I’d like to do something live that cannot be seen in a way that is not often done. And we release those versions. And let the fans control the rest. The fans can control the rest of how to see us live. Come see us play, watch it online. I don’t care how a baby takes his medicine — blown up the ass or down the throat. However you find our music and however you wanna find it is fine for me, but I would like to try to do some of these ideas in a different way. So, that’s why I mentioned the Catacombs.”
The Catacombs of Paris, a historic underground ossuary, were established in the late 18th century. The site was created due to severe public health concerns linked to the overcrowded cemeteries of Paris. Between 1785 and 1787, the remains from the Saints-Innocents cemetery, the largest in Paris at the time, were transferred to the underground tunnels of the former Tombe-Issoire quarries under Montrouge. Officially consecrated as the “Paris Municipal Ossuary” on April 7, 1786, the site soon became known as the Catacombs, inspired by the ancient Roman catacombs that had captured the public’s imagination. By 1809, the Catacombs were opened to the public by appointment, adding to their mystique and allure.
Queens of the Stone Age are currently touring Europe as part of their extensive “The End Is Nero” tour.
