Ghost

Ghost are, regardless of whether you're particularly into corpse painted, Satanic-inspired heavy metal, one band that you should not miss live. Their concerts are not simply events to watch but experiential, jaw-dropping journeys to embark upon, and here's why: The Swedish sextet, clad in black hooded gowns and pointed beard-masks (yes, this is a thing) are led by their singer, known as Papa Emeritus, who dons full skull make-up and the robes and hat of a Roman Catholic pope (aside from the upside-down crosses adorning them). As well as their appearances, the band add to the intoxicating atmosphere of their shows with a backdrop of faux stained glass windows, and burn incense to give the audience the impression of being in a church, about to undergo something more than simply watching a group of men play musical instruments on a stage. They achieve this by including the audience in their twisted act, for example during the song Body and Blood, scantily-clad women appeared at the front of the stage offering the 'Eucharist' of a goblet of blood (aka wine) to the lucky fans in the front row.
I saw Ghost at the Fillmore Silver Spring, shorty after the release of their highly anticipated second album, Infestissumam, and was, frankly, blown away by the quality of their live show. Their appearances and Satan-worshipping act are contrasted by the liveliness of their music, which while categorized as heavy or black metal, is definitely more riff and vocal-driven than most metal, with songs such as the single Monstrance Clock and even an amped-up cover of the Beatles' Here Comes The Sun as part of their catchy, dancable set.
Even if you are the biggest metal-phobe around, you should go see Ghost. If heavy metal is your jam, but you're really not into the whole make-up/ crazy outfit thing, you should go see Ghost. If you're a fan or the music but are undecided on paying for a ticket, you should most definitely go see Ghost. The entire experience is something intoxicatingly unforgettable, and you will not regret it!

The wife and I got into the game a bit late but Ghost is as much a part of our yearly plans as is eating, sleeping, and hydrating. We were fortunate to have caught their last two rituals in Sweden last year and were able to capture video of Papa III being pulled off stage during Monstrance Clock. We were so happy that we made the trip from the states because seeing the end of Papa III in videos is nothing compared to the excitement of seeing it in person, from the barrier, and right up front. This band is very exciting to watch and being able to share the experience with my wife has made our evenings with Ghost that much better. My wife met Papa III last year and we've had the opportunity to meet Cardinal Copia 3 times this year during the meet and greets in New York and Pittsburgh. We're looking forward to meeting him again 4 more times out of the 6 rituals we'll be attending in December. We also already have our tickets and vacation planned for the 2 upcoming rituals taking place in Sweden in February 2019. When they make their way back to the states in 2019, we will begin planning our schedules around their tour dates. Here's a short back story as to why they are so important to me. My wife and I were just a couple of months away from signing the official court documents stating we were divorced. While trying to keep things amicable we would meet to discuss things and we'd often listen to Ghost. By the time they would be coming Philadelphia that year, we would have been attending as two single individuals and no longer married. We'd have fun listening to them and as that common ground grew stronger, so did we and slowly began reconciling. By the time they did come to Philadelphia that year, we attended as a happily married couple and continue to do so today. Getting my wife back, I can honestly say, is all thanks to Ghost and I couldn't be more grateful to them or happier sharing the experience with anyone else except for Kelly.

The concert at Liseberg amusement Park was amazing. They opened doors at 11:00 am and there was already like 30 people waiting for the concert impatiently. Security guards and workers of the Amusement Park were very nice and help people when there was an incident outside the park.
The concert started at 8:00 pm without any problem, the crowd went crazy when they went on stage. The setlist was the following:
- Square Hammer
- From the Pinnacle to the Pit
- Elizabeth
- Con clavi con Dio
- Per aspera ad Inferi
- Body and Blood
- Devil Church
- Cirice
- Year Zero
- Spokosonat
- He is
- Absolution
- Deus in Absentia
- Ritual
- Monstrance Clock.
At the end of the last show was when 2 bodyguards came on stage and dragged Papa Emeritus III from stage and Papa Emeritus Zero came in, anouncing that the party was over and a new era was about to start.

I only got into Ghost recently and caught their show last night in Toronto.

I decided to get some cheap tickets because I liked the music and thought they'd be fun to see live.

They by far exceeded anything I was expecting. The creepy church vibe, use of incense(which I have never encountered before, very nice touch!), Papa engaging the audience at every opportunity and even took a few minutes just to chit chat and kept us roaring and laughing for more. The use of costumes and masks was amazing.

Being an introvert I don't really go out much, and when I do I just kind of sit there and enjoy the music and the show. This is the first band that's made me get up from my chair and actually get into the show. Next time they come to the area, I'm definitely saving up and treating myself to WAY better seating!

Oh my Ghost, this is the live ritual gig experience your soul is crying out for. Full disclaimer: I love Ghost to bits and have been preaching my dark passion for years. Seeing them live again - this time in a bigger arena off the back of a couple more hit albums - reaffirms the faith.

Go and see Ghost and you will get a diverse setlist drawn from the band's spectacular back catalogue. You will get theatrics and pyrotechnics. You will get both humour and deep emotion, dark anthems and sublime instrumentals and an uplifting sense that you a witnessing something novel and special.

Ghost are - musically, aesthetically, spiritually - something to cherish and the live experience is one that is fun, compelling, cathartic and oh-so-damn-rock-n-roll. Go worship and have the time of your (after)life.

I can see Ghost every night and never get bored. It's not just the band and music, Tobias has created characters, including his own, for this band that are incredibly humble and patient with their fans. While the material can be considered risque, you will see children younger than 10 years old attending that are not only having the time of their lives, but participating in the meet and greets with their parents. Everything about these shows from the music, to the costumes, the characters, and the theatrics is so very much entertaining. We know as fans that there is so much more to look forward to with the future of Ghost and we'll have the opportunity to enjoy them for many more years. It is very exciting when tomorrow becomes today and you're standing in front eagerly awaiting Ashes to start.

If you have Ghost, you have everything.

Theatre; spectacle; a sense of cult worship; dark humour; thick fugs of incense; electric, otherwordly energy; lighting and atmospherics; collective frenzy; and most of all, the sweet music of the night.

Ghost are beautiful for so many reasons. Beneath their sublime subversive style - iconoclastic and gleefully irreverent - is a musical powerhouse making the most compelling and catchy rock in this epoch. The craftsmanship is incredible. The mystique is immense. It's a joy to behold in the flesh (and blood) and if you have the opportunity to absorb the spirit of Ghost in person, surrender to it.

Honestly, Ghost was one of the greatest entertainment experiences I've had. Join them in their ritual and hail your Master...

This was the best show I have ever been to (I have seen a lot too). Ghost put on an electric performance with great theatrics as well as fun conversational bits while the musicians took a couple minutes to get water, wipe the sweat off from under those masks, etc. We were also delighted by the pyrotechnics, fog machines, and surprise mummy dust confetti! Well executed and the band sounded amazing live. I wish I had gotten tickets for the following night too! I will definitely be seeing them when they come back into town. Ghost really knows how to stimulate all their fans' senses. Many thanks to the band for their commitment to their fans and the melodic tunes they share with us. Keep them coming please!!!

The Ghost show was truly amazing. For me, this was mainly due to two things:
1. Each and every member of this band knows his instrument very well, and they play their songs flawlessly and with ease. Leaving them energy to interact with the crowd while still not missing a note/beat.
2. Their concept is so well thought through. From the incense and small unveiling ritual before their set starts to the sisters of sin and perfected visual in set, movements and costumes, everything works brilliantly. And with Papa giving some background info to songs and rituals, you really get the feeling you are part of a well-oiled ritual.

I am very glad I've been to the show, and can't wait to see this band again :)

Awesome band! I had a older friend come with last night to the Stockholm show and even thou she said "It's not exactly my favourite but it was a terrific show,tunes to sing along to and this isn't the last time we do this!" with a huge smile on her face. This was my second Ritual, i love the costume changes, you really feel like your seeing a theatrical show instead of a regular concert, I'm use to sitting up front but this time sat in the balcony to see a spectacular light show and pyrotechnics, we sat in the upper balcony and could feel the heat from the pyro effects.I only wish i could have been yp front closer to Cardinal Copia,to get his blessings. Will not be the last time i go to see Ghost!