Queens of the Stone Age has canceled the remaining eight shows on its European tour due to lead singer Josh Homme needing emergency surgery back in the United States.
The band announced the news via Instagram on July 10.
“QOTSA regret to announce that 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 statement read.
The group expressed their disappointment to fans writing, “Queens are gutted we aren’t able to play for you. We apologize for any inconvenience and share in your frustration and disappointment.”
The canceled dates include festivals in France, Czechia and Slovakia, and headlining performances in Croatia and Greece throughout July.
Ticket holders for affected shows are advised to check with their point of purchase for further details, while those holding tickets for festival appearances should see the specific festival website.
Last year, Homme, 51, revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer in 2022, confirming he had a successful surgery to remove it.
“I never say it can’t get any worse. I never say that, and I wouldn’t advise it. But I do say it can get better,” the “Go with the Flow” singer told Revolver Magazine at the time.
“Cancer is just the cherry on top of an interesting time period, you know?” Homme continued.” “I’m extremely thankful that I’ll get through this, and I’ll look back at this as something that’s f—ed up — but will have made me better. I’m cool with that. There’s a lot of stuff I want to do. And there’s a lot of people I want to do that with.”
Homme did not disclose specifics about the type of cancer he had.
He founded the band in 1996, and released their eighth studio album “In Times New Roman…” in July 2023.
As for their future tour plans, North American dates have not been affected by Homme’s sudden health issue as of now.
The band’s next scheduled performance after the canceled European shows is on August 8 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Queens of the Stone Age will return to the United States on September 27 in Boston, where they will play two consecutive nights at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, Massachusetts, with the second show already sold out.
