Queens of the Stone Age has announced mandatory concert cancellations, stating that guitarist and lead singer Josh Homme is struggling with health issues.
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In a post across all social media platforms, the band revealed a shock cancellation of all July concerts in Europe. “Queens are gutted we aren't able to play for you” the caption of their post reads. “We apologize for any inconvenience and share in your frustration and disappointment.”
The break, however, is more than required - as frontman Josh Homme's health comes first. The statement on the post continues: “Josh Homme must return to the United States immediately for emergency surgery. Every effort was made to push through and play for you, but it is no longer an option to continue.”
The 8 July concerts were initially scheduled as part of their The End Is Nero World Tour, in support of the band’s latest album, In Times New Roman. Concerts affected include their slot in multiple festivals, such as tomorrow’s Festival Jardin Sonore in France. The remaining European concerts in August are still scheduled, as is the tour’s return to the US in September. However, the future of the tour overall remains uncertain.
Homme is a cancer survivor and was first diagnosed in 2022. Without giving any specifics, he revealed he underwent surgery for treatment, which proved successful as of last year. The last we heard from Homme about his health was in December, in which he said he was “good” and “all clear” of the disease. “I feel the best I've felt all year,” the frontman said at the time. “It's OK to be broad and say, 'dark times come,' but more than ever I'm just still trying to look for the light."
While no additional information has been released, an abundance of caution is more than necessary. We wish Homme a speedy and safe recovery!