Imagine stepping into a dimly lit, underground world where shadows dance and every note feels like a whisper from the past. That’s exactly what Queens of the Stone Age delivered when they brought their hauntingly captivating Catacombs Tour vibes to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with a performance of “Running Joke/Paper Machete”. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is their dark, almost theatrical approach to rock music a genius reinvention of the genre, or a departure from the raw energy fans fell in love with? Let’s dive in.
On Thursday night, the band transformed the late-night stage into a moody, catacomb-inspired spectacle. Frontman Josh Homme kicked things off in true QOTSA fashion—lying backstage, channeling a scene from their Alive in the Catacombs concert film. As he began to sing, he emerged from the shadows, weaving through a dimly lit hallway before joining his bandmates on stage. It was a visual and auditory journey that felt both intimate and otherworldly.
The performance was bathed in low lighting, with Homme wielding a work light that cast fleeting glimpses of the band, reminiscent of their tour kickoff in Chicago earlier this month. And this is the part most people miss: This isn’t just a concert—it’s an experience. The Catacombs Tour isn’t about flashy pyrotechnics or over-the-top production; it’s about immersing the audience in a raw, almost primal atmosphere that feels both ancient and timeless.
If you’re itching to witness this for yourself, the tour continues with a stop at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on Friday night, wrapping up with a November 21st show in New Orleans. Tickets are still available, but they’re going fast. Bold question for you: Does Queens of the Stone Age’s embrace of this dark, catacomb aesthetic elevate their music, or does it risk alienating fans who crave their more straightforward rock roots? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
Watch the full performance of “Running Joke/Paper Machete” below and decide for yourself whether QOTSA has mastered the art of the macabre or if they’ve ventured too far into the shadows.
