Queens of the Stone Age are set to unveil a truly unique and long-awaited project: Alive in the Catacombs, a cinematic document of their clandestine performance within the eerie tunnels of the Catacombs of Paris. Premiering on June 5th, this audiovisual experience promises to capture the band in a way never before witnessed.
Filmed and recorded in July 2024, Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs sees the iconic rock outfit reimagine their extensive catalog specifically for the subterranean setting. The resulting setlist, carefully curated for the location, takes on an unprecedented intimacy amidst the skeletal remains of millions. Frontman Joshua Homme quipped, "the biggest audience we’ve ever played for."
The Catacombs, a sprawling ossuary stretching over 200 miles beneath Paris, house the remains of several million individuals transferred in the 18th century. The very walls of this macabre space are constructed from human skulls and bones, creating an atmosphere unlike any traditional venue.
Homme revealed that the concept of performing in the Catacombs had been a two-decade-long dream, sparked by his initial visit. Despite the allure, the city of Paris had never granted permission for any musical act to perform within the sacred tunnels. Respecting this, QOTSA waited patiently until their vision received official sanction.
Hélène Furminieux of Les Catacombes de Paris lauded the project, stating, "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 noted that Homme seemed to have deeply connected with the space, with the recordings resonating with the "mystery, history, and a certain introspection" of the Catacombs.
Every element of the performance, from the song choices to the instrument configurations, was meticulously planned with deference to the unique environment. The natural acoustics – the drips, echoes, and resonance – became integral to the soundscape, while the atmospheric lighting enhanced the darkly evocative music. Stripped bare of studio comforts and stage monitors, QOTSA embraced the challenges and allowed the Catacombs to dictate their approach.
Homme explained, "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.”
The result is QOTSA in their most elemental form: Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita, and Jon Theodore augmented by a three-piece string section and utilizing unconventional percussion like chains and chopsticks. Recorded live in single takes with no overdubs, Alive in the Catacombs captures the raw essence of the band, even resorting to a car battery to power an electric piano in the absence of outlets.
Produced by La Blogothèque and directed by Thomas Rames, Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs promises an experience that transcends mere words. This stunning balance of subtlety and grandeur is available for pre-order on qotsa.com, with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage for those purchasing by June 7th. An audio-only version is expected to be announced soon.
Filmed and recorded in July 2024, Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs sees the iconic rock outfit reimagine their extensive catalog specifically for the subterranean setting. The resulting setlist, carefully curated for the location, takes on an unprecedented intimacy amidst the skeletal remains of millions. Frontman Joshua Homme quipped, "the biggest audience we’ve ever played for."
The Catacombs, a sprawling ossuary stretching over 200 miles beneath Paris, house the remains of several million individuals transferred in the 18th century. The very walls of this macabre space are constructed from human skulls and bones, creating an atmosphere unlike any traditional venue.
Homme revealed that the concept of performing in the Catacombs had been a two-decade-long dream, sparked by his initial visit. Despite the allure, the city of Paris had never granted permission for any musical act to perform within the sacred tunnels. Respecting this, QOTSA waited patiently until their vision received official sanction.
Hélène Furminieux of Les Catacombes de Paris lauded the project, stating, "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 noted that Homme seemed to have deeply connected with the space, with the recordings resonating with the "mystery, history, and a certain introspection" of the Catacombs.
Every element of the performance, from the song choices to the instrument configurations, was meticulously planned with deference to the unique environment. The natural acoustics – the drips, echoes, and resonance – became integral to the soundscape, while the atmospheric lighting enhanced the darkly evocative music. Stripped bare of studio comforts and stage monitors, QOTSA embraced the challenges and allowed the Catacombs to dictate their approach.
Homme explained, "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.”
The result is QOTSA in their most elemental form: Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita, and Jon Theodore augmented by a three-piece string section and utilizing unconventional percussion like chains and chopsticks. Recorded live in single takes with no overdubs, Alive in the Catacombs captures the raw essence of the band, even resorting to a car battery to power an electric piano in the absence of outlets.
Produced by La Blogothèque and directed by Thomas Rames, Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs promises an experience that transcends mere words. This stunning balance of subtlety and grandeur is available for pre-order on qotsa.com, with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage for those purchasing by June 7th. An audio-only version is expected to be announced soon.
