Popular rock band cancels remaining July concerts as lead singer needs surgery

Queens of the Stone Age have canceled the band’s remaining July shows as lead singer Josh Homme undergoes emergency surgery, the band announced on social media on Tuesday, July 9.

“QOTSA regrets to announce that Josh Homme must immediately return to the US for emergency surgery,” the band said in an Instagram post. “We have tried everything to hold on and play for you, but continuing is no longer an option.”

The news affects eight dates in Europe. According to QOTSA’s official website, the next show is scheduled for August 24 in Gothenburg, Sweden. The last show before the cancellation announcement took place last Saturday in Milan, Italy.

Later in the year, QOTSA will begin a North American leg of their tour, with back-to-back performances at Boston’s MGM Music Hall on September 27 and 28.

“Queens are devastated that we cannot play for you,” the band wrote in the caption of the Instagram post. “We apologize for any inconvenience and share in your frustration and disappointment.”

The reason for the emergency surgery was not explained, although Homme, 51, has had a number of health issues in the past, including a cancer diagnosis last year, but he kept details to himself.

The statement advised fans who purchased tickets for these dates to hold on to them and expect to be contacted directly by the point of purchase with further information.