Josh Homme recently offered insight into the future direction of Queens of the Stone Age, sharing his thoughts in an interview with CVindependent.
He spoke about the band’s evolving plans, particularly their preference for announcing tours without revealing much in advance. Homme highlighted the intentional secrecy surrounding their upcoming work and explained why they prefer to unveil things slowly. As he put it, “I love to announce tours and not say anything about what they’re going to be like, and those first few shows shock and surprise and awe people… The Catacombs film and the tour is a sort of announcement of a new era. We’re just going to take the mantra of, ‘We’re just going to do anything,’ and amplify that even more.”
He also reflected on how his creative interests have expanded beyond songwriting and studio work. For Homme, the way music is introduced to the public has become its own form of artistry. He explained this evolving perspective, noting, “Making music and spending time really crafting that, and doing that until you love it, is one part of the process, and the next is finding an interesting way of leaving breadcrumbs and making that mystery unfurling.”
Homme further described the thrill of building anticipation through subtle hints and carefully orchestrated reveals, adding, “The hints and the suggestions and the misdirection and the darkness and the light—that’s a fun puzzle and a bit of music in its own manner as well. There’s a melody to how to release something and to enjoy teasing. There’s something almost overtly sexual about it, too. There’s a lot of foreplay there, and I think it’s a shame to skip all that stuff.”
This enigmatic philosophy is already reflected in the band’s ambitious plans for 2025. Ticketmaster has confirmed the launch of the “Alive in the Catacombs Tour,” a theatrical reinterpretation of their live shows that marks a dramatic shift from the group’s typical rock performances.
The tour adopts a more subdued, cinematic approach that contrasts with their standard sound. According to The Independent, the exclusive “Catacombs Tour,” staged in historic theaters, has impressed fans with a chamber-rock aesthetic and atmospheric presentation. These performances weave orchestral arrangements, stylized lighting, and a multi-act format to create an immersive experience rather than a conventional concert.
The route spans notable venues across the U.S. and Europe, including the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, the Beacon Theater in New York City, and Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. Reporting from The Channels detailed the Arlington show on November 8, describing red lighting, flowing artificial fog, and a theatrical three-act structure that framed both deep cuts and new material.
Among the fresh songs appearing in the setlists are “Hideaway” and “You Got a Killer Scene There,” reinforcing how the band’s sound and stagecraft are evolving under Homme’s leadership. This experimental period underscores a commitment to blending theatrical performance with site-specific concerts that enhance the Catacombs theme.
Taken together, these developments signal the beginning of a new chapter for Queens of the Stone Age—one built on deliberate mystery, creative staging, and the breadcrumb-trail philosophy Homme champions.
