Queens of the Stone Age have confirmed a limited run of international theatrical screenings for the forthcoming concert film, Alive in the Catacombs. On June 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th, these special events will take place at theatres in 20 different countries. The theatrical events will give fans the first chance to experience the audiovisual document of the band’s performance in the Catacombs of Paris.

The screenings will also include a preview of an intimate behind the scenes documentary film, revealing the emotional and physical trials Queens of the Stone Age overcame to create Alive in the Catacombs. The result is an unprecedented incarnation of QOTSA at their most intimate, yet surrounded by literally millions of human remains—“the biggest audience we’ve ever played for,” says Joshua Homme.

Homme had dreamt of staging a QOTSA performance in the Catacombs since his first visit nearly 20 years ago. The city of Paris, however, had never granted permission to any artist to play within the sacred tunnels. QOTSA, being law-abiding citizens, waited until their vision was sanctioned.

Hélène Furminieux (Les Catacombes de Paris) said:

“The Catacombs of Paris are a fertile ground for the imagination. It is important to us that artists take hold of this universe 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. The recordings resonate perfectly with the mystery, history, and a certain introspection, notably perceptible in the subtle use of the silence within the Catacombs.”

Every aesthetic decision, every choice of song, every configuration of instruments… absolutely everything was planned and played with deference to the Catacombs—from the acoustics and ambient sounds — dripping water, echoes and natural resonance — to the darkly atmospheric lighting tones that enhance the music. Far from the sound-insulated confines of the studio or the comfort of onstage monitors,

Homme recalls, “We’re so stripped down because that place is so stripped down, which makes the music so stripped down, which makes the words so stripped down… It would be ridiculous to try to rock there. All those decisions were made by that space. That space dictates everything, it’s in charge. You do what you’re told when you’re in there.”

For the recording, Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore augmented by a three-piece string section, employing chains and chopsticks as makeshift percussion instruments. Alive in the Catacombs is Queens of the Stone Age stripped to their barest essence by necessity (you can’t call it “unplugged” if there are no actual electrical outlets to plug into), McGyver-ing a car battery to power an electric piano. And unfiltered, as every song was recorded live in a complete take with no overdubs or edits.

Queens of the Stone Age: Alive in the Catacombs was produced by La Blogothèque and directed by Thomas Rames, and is being released by Queens of the Stone Age and Matador Records. The film will be available to rent or purchase on the band’s website. Fans who purchase Alive In the Catacombs by June 7th will receive exclusive access to behind the scenes footage in addition to full streaming and download access. An audio only version will be announced in the coming weeks.

Alive In The Catacombs Global Screening Dates

June 3rd
MK2 Quai de Loire, Paris, France
The Royal, Toronto, Canada
Kino Konepaja, Helsinki, Finland

June 4th
Prince Charles Cinema, London, UK
Brain Dead Studios, Los Angeles, US
Kino Central, Berlin, Germany
Sphinx Cinema and Cafe, Ghent, Belgium
Cineclub Cortina, Sao Paulo, Brasil
Cinema Barberino, Rome, Italy
Eye Filmmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

June 5th

Cinema Nova, Melbourne, Australia
Cine Tonala, Mexico City, Mexico
MONA / Dark Mofo – Hobart State Cinema, Tasmania (HOBART), Australia
Double Whammy, Auckland, New Zealand
Empire Bio, Copenhagen, Denmark
Irish Film Institute, Dublin, Ireland
Sala X, Madrid, Spain
CGV Grand Indonesia West Mall, Jakarta, Indonesia
EMU Cinema Space, Seoul, South Korea
Cinema Oasis, Bangkok, Thailand

June 6th

Spot Cinema Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

Learn about the Catacombs of Paris HERE
Order Tickets for Alive in the Catacombs HERE