Recommendations of the Editorial team
Queens of the Stone Age will publish a documentary of their performance in the Paris catacombs on June 5. “Alive in the Catacombs” was produced in July 2024. The band arranged their songs again according to the occasion.
That was also necessary, because the unusual appearance took place between the remains of millions of people – “the largest audience we ever played,” said Josh Homme. Of course, it is also an insanely intimate set.
The bones of millions deceased in Paris have been opened in the Paris catacombs since the 18th century. There are even gears and walls made of bones on 300 kilometers. So far, a concert underground has always been prohibited by the city administration, although Qotsa singer Homme has been asking for it for two decades.
Queens of the Stone Age as intimate than ever
Now it was still allowed. Hélène Furminieux, from the administration of the site, says: “To get down to depth and confronted with thoughts about death, it can be an extremely intensive experience. Josh seems to have grasped with body and soul. The recordings resonate perfectly with the mystery, the history and inwardness of the place, which is particularly noticeable by the subtle use of the silence of catacombs.
Of course, an appearance in the catacombs needed a lot of care. The sound dripping water and Echos had to be taken into account as well as special lighting. Sound insulation like in the studio? None!
“All of this is withdrawn, the music, the words, because it is also the place. It would be ridiculous to try to turn up there,” said Josh Homme. “All of these decisions were made by the place itself. He specifies it, he guides you. You do what you are told inside.”
Of course, “Alive in the Catacombs” is an unplugged concert. Josh Homme, Troy van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore are supported by a string trio and special instruments such as chains and chopsticks. Only the e-piano was brought up by a car battery.
All songs were recorded in one take without further overdubs or edits. It should also be one of the most complex shows that Queens of the Stone Age have ever given. In the pictures and sounds there is a vulnerability that is difficult to describe in words.
The concert film was produced by La Blogothèque directed by Thomas Rames. You can see “Alive in the Catacombs” from June 5th about the Band homepage. You can buy or borrow the now imaginable film. If you are there until June 7th, you will also receive access to Behind-the scenes recordings.