Josh Homme nearly died filming in Paris Catacombs, inspired new Queens album
Josh Homme broke out of hospital with a 40-degree fever to record in the Paris Catacombs, nearly died, and shaped the band's new album.
Two years ago, Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme left hospital against medical advice to fulfil a long-held dream: recording a live performance deep in the Paris Catacombs among six million remains.
Josh Homme was recovering from cancer surgery. A day after filming finished, he flew back to the US for emergency surgery.
Drummer Jon Theodore says the band feared Homme wouldn't survive. He made a full recovery.
The near-fatal experience transformed the band's approach. When they reunited to record their ninth album, Perfecth, the band embraced creative freedom they hadn't allowed before.
The album ranges from fuzzy rock to New Orleans funk to folkie songs, the most eclectic Queens record yet. Homme told Double J: "I just wanted it so bad.
I broke out of the emergency room."
- Paris Catacombs, 20 metres underground
- Location
- 40 degrees
- Fever temperature
- Perfecth (ninth)
- Album name
- 2025
- Video release
Why it mattersA brush with mortality stripped away the creative constraints that limit most artists, showing how extreme stakes can unlock genuine artistic breakthroughs.
AustraliaQueens of the Stone Age play Newcastle on December 16; the new album Perfecth drops October 30, offering fans the band's most adventurous sound.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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