American rock band Queens Of The Stone Age have cancelled a string of European tour dates, announcing on Tuesday that singer and guitarist Josh Homme needs to return home for emergency surgery.
It comes four days after the band – who had a global hit with No One Knows – cancelled a performance at AMA Festival in Italy “due to illness” just hours before they were set to hit the stage.
Homme, 51, last year revealed in a Revolver interview that he was still healing after having cancer removed in 2022 — but did not share any other details about the health battle.
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It is unclear whether the emergency surgery Homme is now set to undergo is linked to cancer.
Fans expressed concern, sadness, and frustration over the cryptic concert cuts before Tuesday’s announcement, with one writing on social media: “A lot of cancelled shows this tour, what is happening?”
QOTSA confirmed on Tuesday, despite their best efforts to continue the tour, dates would be cut in France, Slovakia, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Romania, Croatia and Greece.
“QOTSA regret to announce that Josh Homme must return to the United States immediately for emergency surgery,” the band said on Instagram.
“Every effort was made to push through and play for you but it is no longer an option to continue.
“Queens are gutted we aren’t able to play for you. We apologise for any inconvenience and share in your frustration and disappointment.”
European tour dates in August, and US tour dates in September and beyond, do not appear to be affected at this time.
“Ticket-holders for festivals, please visit the specific festival website for updated information,” QOTSA said.
“Ticket-holders for headline shows will be contacted directly from the point of purchase with further information.”
While some fans lashed QOTSA for a lack of communication around the earlier cancellations, others expressed die-hard support for the singer and his band.
“My show was cancelled too and it sucked. You know what sucks more, though? Cancer … I am hoping for a speedy recovery to Josh,” one person wrote. “Screw the gigs indeed. Health comes first.”
“Hopefully Josh isn’t going through anything life-threatening. Anyone pissed off at this needs to recalculate their opinion,” another person wrote.
“I am thankful for all the fantastic QOTSA performances I was lucky to experience, and I am hopeful to experience you on stage in the future again,” another fan added.
“Whenever you return to Europe, I’ll be there. But take the time you need to recover, dear Joshua. We love you.”
