Queens of the Stone Age Cancel Shows, Josh Homme to Undergo Surgery

Queens of the Stone Age has announced the cancelation of eight European tour dates following news that lead singer Josh Homme must return to the United States for emergency surgery.

In a post on social media, the band expressed regret for having to cancel the shows, and that they were left with no other choice. “QOTSA regret to announce that Josh Homme must return to the United States immediately for emergency surgery,” reads the statement. “Every effort was made to push through and play for you, but it is no longer an option to continue.”

Of the shows cancelled, Queens of the Stone Age will no longer perform at festivals in France and Slovakia, as well as headline shows in Croatia and Greece. Prior to the announcement, the group canceled its appearance at the AMA Festival in Italy on July 5 due to illness. On the band’s website, dates are still listed for August shows in Europe as well as North American gigs that run through November.

Though it’s unclear what type of surgery Homme will undergo, he’s been open about his health struggles over the years. Last year, he shared that he’d been diagnosed with a form of cancer in 2022 and underwent surgery to have it removed.

In 2023, Queens of the Stone Age released “In Times New Roman…,” its first album in six years. Shortly after, the group announced The End is Nero tour for North America followed by a set of European dates. This year, the band scheduled dates in Australia and North America, as well as some of the European shows they had to cancel.