Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme to Undergo Surgery, European Tour Off

Queens of the Stone Age has canceled the remaining eight shows on its European tour as lead singer Josh Homme “immediately” returns home for emergency surgery.

In a post on social media, the American rock band informed fans of the decision to cancel the shows, expressing regret. “Every effort was made to push through and play for you, but it is no longer an option to continue,” read the statement.

The canceled dates include festivals in France, Czechia, and Slovakia, as well as headlining performances in Croatia and Greece throughout July. Ticket holders for festivals are directed to visit the specific festival website for updated information.

This announcement follows the band’s recent decision to pull out of AMA Music Festival in Italy on July 5 “due to illness.”

The band did not disclose the nature of Homme’s surgery. Last year, he shared that he had been diagnosed with cancer and had successfully recovered, though he did not reveal the specific type of cancer.

In 2023, the band released its eighth studio album, “In Times New Roman…,” marking their first album in six years. This release was accompanied by a series of North American and European dates, including those affected by this cancellation.

According to the Queens of the Stone Age’s website, the band is still slated to perform at several festivals and headline shows in August, starting with the Way out West Festival in Sweden.

Tour cancellations have been common throughout the summer. Notably, Pink paused her Summer Carnival Tour last month due to an unspecified health issue.

“If we put ourselves in their shoes, we would want to be able to have a private life, especially when dealing with sensitive or difficult issues,” said Laura Petiford, a licensed marriage and family therapist. “Yes, they have chosen to lead a life that is more in the public eye, but they have not forfeited their human need to draw a distinct line between themselves and those who are interested in them.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme to undergo surgery, European tour canceled.