The Truth Behind Queens Of The Stone Age Singer Josh Homme’s Health Emergency

Queens of the Stone Age canceled multiple shows in 2024 after frontman Josh Homme required emergency surgery. The cancellations included their July European tour dates and remaining North American shows for the year. While specific details about the surgery were not disclosed, Homme’s previous health history suggests it might be related to a 2022 cancer diagnosis and surgery.

The Singer’s Trouble With Cancer

In a June 2023 interview with Revolver (via Metal Injection), Homme revealed he had undergone cancer surgery in 2022, saying, “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. Cancer is just the cherry on top of an interesting time period, you know? I’m extremely thankful that I’ll get through this, and I’ll look back at this as something that’s f*cked 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.”

Was The Recent Surgery Related To His Previous Condition?

The nature of Homme’s cancer and treatment has not been disclosed, but signs suggest the emergency surgery could be related to his previous health issues. At the time of the surgery, the band was in Europe with eight remaining tour dates. They announced on social media, “Every effort was made to push through and play for you, but it is no longer an option to continue.”

As a result, all remaining 2024 performances, including fall North American dates, were either postponed or canceled. The band emphasized that Homme needed time to prioritize his recovery.

Homme Quickly Returned To The Stage

In December 2024, Homme made a brief comeback at a tribute concert in London honoring his late collaborator Mark Lanegan. He performed a set dedicated to Lanegan’s career alongside other musicians, marking his first public appearance since the surgery.

Queens of the Stone Age later announced plans to resume touring in 2025. Their schedule includes shows starting in Boston in June and ending in Chicago. However, the canceled 2024 shows in Bridgeport, Memphis, and Mexico City have not been rescheduled.