Queen of the Stone Age’s Catacombs Tour certainly isn’t the standard rock concert you’d expect from this iconic band, especially considering their legacy over the past 25 years. Instead, it leans more towards a theatrical experience.
Before the tour, the band shared that the performance would be a “one-night-only series in selected historic theaters across North America,” featuring entirely new arrangements tailored for this event. It’s designed to be a rare and intimate show, diverging from traditional QOTSA tours.
After attending one such performance at New York City’s famed Beacon Theater, it feels accurate to describe “Catacombs” as a multifaceted experience, with its own highs and lows. Frontman Josh Homme kicked things off, bathed in light, performing the striking opening tracks, “Running Joke” and “Paper Machete,” from his latest EP, *Alive in the Catacombs*.
The mood transformed dramatically during “Calospia,” highlighted by a small orchestra behind Homme. The atmosphere became deeply moving, showcasing a raw vulnerability that truly captured the audience’s attention.
As one act concluded, the intensity grew. The band created a darker ambiance, with red lighting and a fuller orchestral sound. Homme, swapping his work light for a butcher knife, dived into a mashup of “Mosquitos,” mixing it with “Someone’s in the Wolf,” “Straight Jacket Fitting,” and a powerful rendition of “Spinning In Daffodils” by Them Crooked Vultures.
The show wrapped up with a more traditional QOTSA finale. Amidst brighter lights, Homme strummed his guitar, launching into “You Got A Killer Scene There, Man,” eliciting strong cheers from a crowd made up largely of devoted fans, whom they affectionately refer to as “cavemen.” Though this version of the tour marks a shift from their earlier, more traditional sound, it’s a testament to the band’s evolution, showing they are not just relics of ’90s rock but dynamic performers.
Homme filled the role of a ringmaster, donning a suit and engaging with the audience in between songs, enhancing the theatricality of the experience. Each piece sounded richer, especially during “Fortress,” thanks to the excellent orchestration.
In conclusion: Even for those who are not hardcore QOTSA fans, the “Catacombs Tour” deserves some attention. Personally, it left a lasting impression that I can still feel long after the show ended.
Be aware that the second North American leg of the Catacombs Tour is scheduled for November 8th to 21st. Tickets are available.
Queens of the Stone Age 2025 Tour Schedule
The full list of North American and single European dates, venues, and ticket links is detailed below.
Queens of the Stone Age Setlist
At the Beacon Theater in New York, the performance included:
Set I
01.) “Running Joke / Paper Machete”
02.) “Kalopsia”
03.) “Villains of Circumstances”
04.) “Sewing the Future”
05.) “I Never Came”
Set II
06.) “Someone in the Wolf / Deaf Song / Straight Jacket Fitting”
07.) “Mosquito Song”
08.) “Keep Your Eyes Peeled”
09.) “Spinning in Daffodils” (Them Crooked Vultures cover)
Set III
10.) “There’s a Killer Scene in There, Dude…”
11.) “The Hideout”
12.) “Vampire of Time and Memory”
13.) “Autopilot”
14.) “Easy Street”
15.) “Fortress”
16.) “…Like Clockwork.”
Encore
17.) “Long Throw Goodbye” (Josh and Mike acapella)
Queens of the Stone Age’s New Music
On June 13th, QOTSA released *Alive In The Catacombs*, a five-song EP that is heartfelt and minimalistic compared to their usual sound. It begins with a strong, moody opener followed by softer melodies familiar to fans of earlier bands like Arcade Fire.
Noteworthy tracks include “Running Joke / Paper Machete,” and the gentle “Kalopsia,” each surprisingly touching in their uniqueness.
To check it out, listen to *Alive In The Catacombs*.
Upcoming Rock Tours from 2025 to 2026
If you prefer a more classic rock concert vibe, there are many exciting options coming up in the months ahead.
Prominent acts will be touring across North America, offering a diverse mix of styles. Here are a few noteworthy performances to catch:
• Hurry
• Nine Inch Nails
• Robert Plant
• Tame Impala
• Hibs
Interested in more? Explore additional upcoming rock concerts in 2025 to find the shows that resonate with you.
