A mastermind? -Tobias Forge

Tobias Forge, the creative mastermind behind Ghost, has guided the band from its humble beginnings in Linköping, Sweden (2006) to becoming one of the most captivating acts in modern metal. Performing under his alter ego Papa Emeritus IV—recently styled Papa V Perpetua on this tour—Forge leads a group of Nameless Ghouls, currently including six musicians handling guitar (two Ghouls), bass, keyboards, and drums. Ghost’s discography includes six studio albums: Opus Eponymous (2010), Infestissumam (2013), Meliora (2015), Prequelle (2018), Impera (2022), and its latest, Skeletá(2025). Released on Loma Vista Recordings and Spinefarm Records, these albums span catchy heavy rock and gothic metal, with Meliora earning them a Grammy for “Cirice.” Their merchandise—robe-themed apparel, enamel pins, and tour posters—has cultivated a cult following, with fans enthusiastically dressing in costumes and face paint, fully embracing the band’s ritualistic aesthetic. For more information, visit their official site: ghost-official.com.

The “Skeletour World Tour 2025,” inspired by the dark spiritual themes of Skeletá, kicked off April 15 in Manchester and runs through September 25 in Mexico City, spanning 54 shows—25 in Europe and 29 across North America. Key cities include London, Berlin, Prague, Baltimore, Miami, New York, and Raleigh’s Lenovo Center on July 15. Conceived with a strict no-phone policy enforced via Yondr pouches and featuring pre-show choral selections, the tour’s staging and lighting were crafted by renowned designer Tobias Rylander using cinematic visuals, Brutalist architectural elements, and a cathedral-like atmosphere. Sound is managed by DiGiCo engineers on a state-of-the-art console, ensuring clarity across arena-sized venues. Behind the scenes, Forge, after experiencing burnout in 2024, immersed himself in the creative process alongside Rylander, developing a show structure that balances ritualistic pacing with high-energy performance peaks.

At the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, Ghost delivered a powerful two-hour ritual, opening with deep cuts from Skeletá and fan favorites like “Rats,” “Mummy Dust,” and “Square Hammer.” The band’s energy was relentless, with Forge commanding the stage and the Nameless Ghouls executing a tight, polished set. The crowd was ecstatic, fully immersed in the experience, many clad in robes, face paint, and skull masks. The stage visuals included stained-glass backdrops, shifting LED panels, and stark lighting that amplified the skeletal themes of the new album. Production partners included Live Nation, Rylander’s design team, and DiGiCo audio support. Ghost continues to support causes like MusiCares and mental health initiatives, with VIP “Member of the Clergy” passes raising charitable funds per ticket. The tour further solidifies Ghost’s standing in the modern rock world, while showcasing Tobias Forge’s meticulous artistry and deep commitment to immersive, ritualized performance.

Ghost