In an interview with Stereogum , Josh Homme , founder and vocalist of Queens of the Stone Age , spoke about his plans for his remains and commented on the experience of recording in a catacomb. The topic came up during a conversation about the EP Alive in the Catacombs , recorded in the Catacombs of Paris and released in June 2025.

“I want to be cremated, and have some of my ashes remain where all my family is. But I want the rest… I have a place in the desert, a small plot of land. I want to be scattered on concrete under a table with chairs, and for young people to celebrate and have deep thoughts under the stars in the desert.” 

Homme's connection to the desert, more specifically the city of Palm Desert, is already well known. Not only was the band Queens of the Stone Age founded there, but the vocalist also started the collective The Desert Sessions , which brought together musicians, mostly from the area, for experimental sessions.

Josh Homme comments on filming in the catacombs.

Homme also talked about how the recordings took place, how the interest in the catacombs arose, and even gave his opinion on how death is approached.

“Being there was very engaging, as I was immediately confronted with issues I didn’t expect. There are people there who have seen, heard, and whispered things. They’ve had their hearts broken, felt immense joy, and witnessed people being born. Some skulls are tiny,” he said.

“These are people from many, many years ago; it’s a line of human beings completely exposed. So, I found myself questioning myself. I wanted to make sure I was being respectful and considerate.”

Regarding what led him to the catacombs, he said that his curiosity came early: "I went to a very interesting school when I was a child, I was able to explore a bit during history classes and I came across these skeletons."

Regarding how death is treated, he said: “In America, the conversation about death is always a ‘let’s talk later,’ it’s never now. It will always happen later. Death isn’t exactly a surprise, it’s the only thing that’s guaranteed,” he added.

The EP Alive in the Catacombs is now available. Listen here .

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