Queens of the Stone Age announce concert film recorded in Paris Catacombs

Queens of the Stone Age will premiere Alive in the Catacombs on June 5, a film showcasing the band’s performances in the Catacombs of Paris.

The movie was produced by La Blogothèque, directed by Thomas Rames and released through Matador Records. It will be accessible through rent or purchase, and is available for pre-order now. Those who purchase the film by June 7 will receive behind the scenes footage and full streaming access. An audio version will be announced in the coming weeks.

"The Catacombs of Paris are a fertile ground for the imagination,” said Hélène Furminieux, a Communication Officer for the Catacombs. “It is important to us that artists take hold of this universe and offer a sensitive interpretation of it. Going underground and confronting reflections on death can be a deeply intense experience. Josh seems to have felt in his body and soul the full potential of this place. The recordings resonate perfectly with the mystery, history and a certain introspection, notably perceptible in the subtle use of the silence within the Catacombs.”

The film was recorded in July of 2024. Lead vocalist Joshua Homme had dreamed of performing in the Catacombs since his first visit nearly 20 years ago, but the band waited until permission was granted to perform in the historical site. Their tracklist was specifically curated to play in the setting, which remains the burial ground for approximately 6 million people.

“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,” said Homme. “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 film features strings, an electric piano powered by a car battery and chains and chopsticks used as makeshift percussion instruments. Each song was recorded live, with no overdubs or edits.

“If you’re ever going to be haunted, surrounded by several million dead people is the place," said Homme. "I’ve never felt so welcome in my life."

Fans can pre-order Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs here.

Watch the trailer below: