Wow! Last night, Ghost returned to haunt the stage for the first show of their 2025 World ‘Skeletátour.’ This was my 4th Ghost ‘ritual’ and they have never sounded better, bigger or bolder!
First things first, Ghost mastermind Tobias Forge announced that all Skeletátour shows would be phone free (secured in Yondr pouches.) I have to say this worked really well… no one distracted by technology, instead focused entirely on the stage in the moment, as it should be. The pouches were quick to get sealed and it was a breeze getting them unsealed at the end. There was a big delay in getting in, for what reason though, I don’t know.
As there was a no phone policy, obviously pictures of the show will be hard to come by. In the spirit of that, I will mark any spoiler sections of the review. And for those interested, I will put the setlist right at the end. And what a setlist it was! Hymns from every album, including 4 from Skeletáta (album number 6 released 25.04.25), live premiers and tracks not performed since 2019, including a much missed fan favourite!
Tobias Forge slides into his new character, ‘Papa V Perpetua’ with ease, and although every ‘new’ front man is played by Forge, he is able to make us believe that we are watching someone new… at one point asking if we will be gentle with him. ‘Papa V’ is very cool, his look with the metal mask, unveiled in the videos for ‘Satanized’ and ‘Lachryma’ is my favourite to date. Not least because for the first time in Ghost’s history, Forge isn’t wearing prosthetics and so we can actually see emotion from his mouth. Although he always sounded great live, here without the restrictions around his mouth, Forge sounds incredible.
The band were amazing. Blistering solos from both the guitar and keyboard Ghouls, including an awesome ‘key-tar’ solo. A heavy rhythm section that included super tight drums and a booming bass that at times shook my chest. Backing singers were absolutely pitch perfect and the whole band were having a great time moving around the stage supporting their new ‘Papa.’
SPOILER: The stage show itself was incredible and as you would expect, the biggest yet. A huge Ghost symbol was incorporated into the rig and we were bombarded with lights, smoke and fire. Best of all the entire back of the stage came to life with projections that were crystal clear. Hellscapes, strange Hieronymus Bosch inspired characters, layers of symbols and occult iconography, stained glass windows featuring a William Blake-esque Satan and a rocket powered Jesus! Absolutely incredible.
You could tell that Forge and the gang were having a brilliant time and it was a joy to watch them perform with our fellow devotees of the Clergy of Ghost. A word on Ghost fans… The Best! I’ve always found metal fans to be brilliant, like a community. But Ghost fans particularly as we partake of a shared almost religious experience, are wonderful. My young son was with us for the show, himself dressed as ‘Papa V.’ Everyone was really respectful of him and loved his costume. They gave him homemade Ghost bracelets and ‘mummy dust’ and made his night even more special… thank you.
Ghost’s Skeletátour is a must see for new fans and long time devotees alike. Highlights for me included ‘Lachryma’ ‘Year Zero’ and ‘Rats.’ But in all honestly the whole show was fantastic from start to finish and I highly highly recommend that people take ritual at the alter of Ghost! Don’t miss Papa V and tbe Ghpuls at their Satanic best!
Chris \m/
Twitter/Instagram @cw_stagg
Bluesky @cwstagg.bsky.social
Email chris@phoenixfm.com
Set List:
Peacefield – (world premier)
Lachryma – (live debut)
Spirit – (first time since 2019)
From the Pinnacle to the Pit
Majesty – (first time since 2019)
The Future is a Foreign Land – (live debut)
Devil Church
Cirice
Darkness at the Heart of My Love – (live debut)
Satanized – (live debut)
Ritual
Umbra – (world premier)
Year Zero
Spöksonat
He Is
Rats
Kiss the Go-Goat
Mummy Dust
Monstrance Clock – (first time since 2019)
Encore:
Mary on a Cross
Dance Macabre
Square Hammer
Ghost are embarking on a 2025 World tour (Skeletátour.’) Tickets available here.
Note – First ever show with Papa V Perpetua
