American rock band performs for millions dead in Paris
• May 28, 2025
American rock band Queens of the Stone Age were the first group allowed to perform in the Catacombs of Paris. Photo: Andreas Neumann
American rock band Queens of the Stone Age are set to release a live video of their performance in the iconic Catacombs of Paris.
This is the first time the CIty of Paris has allowed any artist to play in the sacred tunnels.
Alive in the Catacombs will feature songs from the band’s entire catalogue reworked especially for the history-making performance.
Frontman Joshua Homme says the unique venue required the band's typically high-energy songs to be “stripped down”.
“That space dictates everything. It’s in charge. You do what you’re told when you're in there.
“If you’re ever going to be haunted, surrounded by several million dead people is the place.”
Their performance was filmed and recorded in July 2024 and features Homme and the band accompanied by a three-piece string section. Chains and chopsticks are used as makeshift percussion instruments.
The Catacombs is a 320-kilometre ossuary under the grounds of Paris and contains the remains of more than six million people dating back to the 1700s.
The performaance, Homme said, was in front of “the biggest audience we’ve ever played for".
“I’ve never felt so welcome in my life.”
Alive in the Catacombs has long been on Homme’s bucket list. He says he’d dreamt of playing in the sacred tunnels with Queens of the Stone Age since his first visit almost 20 years ago.
Hélène Furminieux (Les Catacombes de Paris) says it is important that artists “take hold” of the Catacombs’ atmosphere 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.”
Alive in the Catacombs will be released on 6 June by Queens of the Stone Age and Matador Records/Remote Control Records. The film will be available to rent or purchase on the band’s website where pre-orders are currently available.
There is also an audio only version, which will be released in the coming weeks.
