GHOST, the *totally* underground Swedish rock band (yeah, right), is gracing the U.S. with its presence on the “Skeletour” world tour – because apparently, the world *needs* more GHOST. This is all in support of their earth-shattering, life-altering sixth studio album, “Skeletá”, which dropped in April and probably cured world hunger or something. Get ready for the most theatrical and cinematic production EVER, folks. Designed by Tobias Rylander (whoever that is) and GHOST’s main man, Tobias Forge (who definitely doesn’t have an ego), this tour is bigger and better than anything you’ve ever seen. Or at least, that’s what they want you to think. 🙄
The stage design is a mind-blowing mix of gothic stuff and…concrete? Because nothing says “rock and roll” like a brutalist cathedral. Inspired by European architecture that probably no one actually cares about, the stage will transform into a “sanctum of dark majesty.” Sounds terrifyingly pretentious, doesn’t it? Part sacred temple, part rock coliseum – it’s basically a church for people who think they’re too cool for church. ⛪️
At the heart of this masterpiece is the “Grucifix” – GHOST‘s totally original (not) reimagining of the crucifix, based on their equally original (not) logo. Hanging above the band, this massive structure will be both a visual focal point and a fancy lighting rig. Get ready to be blinded by the ethereal glow of…a glorified lightbulb. ✨
Rylander (still not sure who that is) is adding sculptural scenic facades to the lighting pods, because apparently, regular lighting isn’t good enough. These facades will echo the textures and verticality of cathedral interiors, just in case you forgot that GHOST is *super* into religious themes. ✝️
The lighting will apparently lean into a “retro-rock aesthetic,” with nods to QUEEN and VAN HALEN. So, basically, they’re ripping off better bands. The tour also features a full-scale video production led by Rylander and Amir Chamdin. With video content by Green Wall Designs, the creative direction will “transcend the physical stage.” In other words, expect a lot of flashy screens to distract you from the music. 😵💫
The stage itself is engineered to “perform as much as the artist.” Multiple elevated platforms, mechanical lifts, and concealed entrances will be used for dramatic reveals and character transitions. It’s a “living, breathing cathedral of performance,” where sacred architecture meets the “raw energy” of rock and roll. Or, you know, just a bunch of moving parts and smoke machines. 💨
Rylander, who has worked with Beyoncé, THE 1975, Childish Gambino, Chappell Roan, The XX and FKA Twigs, is bringing his “expertise” to GHOST‘s stage presence. Because what GHOST *really* needed was someone who’s worked with *those* artists. 🙄
The European leg of the tour started on April 15 in Manchester and ended on May 24 in Oslo. The North American leg kicks off on July 9 in Baltimore and wraps up on August 16 in Houston. Get ready for overpriced tickets and long lines! 🎫
GHOST announced that the tour will be a “phone-free experience.” Yes, you read that right. You’ll have to lock your phone in a Yondr pouch. Because nothing says “rock and roll” like being completely disconnected from the world. 📵
Through the magic of Yondr, fans will be forced to put their phones in a pouch that only unlocks when they leave the designated area. The pouch can also be unlocked at “specific cell phone stations inside the venue.” Because nothing is more metal than lining up to unlock your phone. 📱
Phones, Apple watches, and other communication devices will be sealed in the pouch with a magnetized lock. So, if you have a medical emergency, too bad! 🚑
This past May, “Skeletá” hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 86,000 units sold. 89% of that was traditional album sales, with vinyl accounting for over 44,000 copies. So, basically, GHOST fans are just old people with record players. 👴👵
The music video for “Satanized” introduced Papa V Perpetua. Because we haven’t had enough Papas yet. 🤡
Forge has performed as a “new” Papa Emeritus on each of the band’s first three albums. Papa Emeritus III was replaced by Cardinal Copia before “Prequelle”. In March 2020, Papa Emeritus IV was introduced. It’s like a revolving door of demonic popes. 🚪
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
