Ghost brought their ‘Skeletour’ through Pittsburgh last week and what an incredible experience it was! Kicking off the first leg of their US Tour just over a week ago, fans are still getting their first glimpse at what Papa Perpetua has to offer.
For those newly introduced to Ghost, this band is rich with deep lore. The short version that everyone needs to know, is that every album cycle brings a new main character (typically, a new “Papa”). Their latest album, 2025’s ‘SKELETÁ,’ introduced the world to Papa V, or Papa Perpetua. While the character changes with every album, the singer has always been founding member Tobias Forge.
As an additional note for this tour, there are no cell phones allowed. All attendees are given a Yondr pouch, which features a magnetic seal. Everyone still maintains possession of their phone at all times. At this particular venue, there are designated areas where attendees can go and have their pouches opened in case they need to use their phones. In my instance, I had my teenage son with me, so we had to coordinate a meet up. This was easily done with our watches, so we had no need to use our phones. Upon leaving the venue, the pouches are unlocked so attendees can return their pouch and leave with their phones.
This tour features no opening band, so be sure to get to the venue early as the show is advertised to begin at 8pm sharp. With a set of approximately 1:45 in length, the kids will be home earlier than normal, but they’ll be talking about this show for weeks!
As the house lights dimmed, the show opened with “Peacefield” from behind a giant black curtain. As the vocals kick in, Papa is seen on the video screens, while the entire band still remains concealed behind the certain. Once the song kicks in, the curtain, which surrounded almost the entire stage, falls to the ground.
Gone are the prosthetic masks of years past, allowing Papa a considerable amount of freedom on stage (and presumably, a bit less pre-show prep).
The second song, “Lachryma,” continued the introduction of new songs. This one is my son’s favorite and is a true standout, not to mention an incredibly cool and nostalgically creepy video!
The show featured a generous helping of songs new and old, including all three of Papa Nihil’s tracks “Kiss the Go-Goat,” “Mary On A Cross” and “The Future Is A Foreign Land.” In addition to the show opener, new tracks included “Satanized” and an awesome rendition of “Umbra.”
Considering the lack of cellphone footage that will be coming out of this tour, I don’t want to spoil too much, but I would be remiss not to point out some of the highlights that set this tour apart.
Papa’s variety of wardrobe changes are typically simple, but really impactful to the visual experience. Be on the lookout early in the set for “Call Me Little Sunshine” for one of the coolest moments of this show. This made me want to go right to the band’s merch store and pick up the “Levitation” t-shirt.
The encore performances of “Mary On A Cross,” “Dance Macabre” and “Square Hammer” are simply legendary. Often, bands will close with over-played material, providing fans a great opportunity to beat the traffic. In this case, there was absolutely no way we were leaving ahead of these tunes. After all, we came here for this!
My son and I traveled close to four hours for this show and it was worth every mile! Our drive home took until just before 2:30am and he told me he’d have driven eighteen hours for this show; it was that good! I agree, kid, but I do hope they come through town on the next leg!
One of the biggest changes I've noticed with Ghost during this album cycle is the overall feeling that Tobias Forge has leaned into a sense of responsibility as the caretaker of his legion of fans. While 'SKELETÁ' still carries themes of darkness, it's also an incredibly positive and uplifting album. The crowd included fans of all ages and even a surface level listen through this new album will explain why.
As a fan of this band, dating back to the summer of 2012, it has been absolutely wild to see them continue to build their following album after album. I have seen Ghost perform in small clubs and theaters in the early days, so to see them play to packed NHL-sized arenas is simply incredible. Do not sleep on this band, or this tour! The current US dates go through August 16th and tickets can be found HERE.
Setlist:
- Peacefield
- Lachryma
- Spirit
- Per Aspera Ad Inferi
- Faith
- Call Me Little Sunshine
- The Future Is A Foreign Land
- Devil Church
- Cirice
- Darkness At The Heart Of My Love
- Satanized
- Satan Prayer
- Umbra
- Year Zero
- He Is
- Rats
- Kiss The Go-Goat
- Mummy Dust
- Monstrance Clock
- Mary On A Cross
- Dance Macabre
- Square Hammer
