Author: Evan Kelly

Posted: Aug 15, 2025

Ghost took over San Diego's Viejas Arena last week with a sold out show, boasting an epic production. There was no opening act and the arena was packed to the brim, buzzing with anticipation as Ghost took the stage. Their stage and production was so massive that it took up almost half of the arena floor. As the band started playing, everyone jumped to their feet. Ghost started with a tattered veil hiding the stage, dropping to reveal the band when their first full band note was struck. The arena erupted in applause and screams. So much so, that my Apple Watch alerted me of the 105+db hearing risk.

Ghost spared no expense on their show production. They had a massive octagonal stage to display the 9 members of the band, pyro, video screens, inflatable scenery, a huge drum riser, and a giant cross made of stage lighting that hung over the stage and moved around. It was quite a site to take in.

Immediately the crowd was singing in unison with the band leader "Papa", filling the room with their voices. All 9 members of the band cover their faces in metal masks, except for Papa. Papa wears a half mask, leaving the bottom half of his face and mouth exposed, covered in make-up, allowing him full range of his mouth so he can sing.

The performance was truly a spectacle. As the show progressed, the stage transformed. It seemed there were several "Acts" of the show. Not only did the stage transform with each act, but so did Papa's outfits. By the 3rd part of the show, the stage had revealed a huge video wall at the very back, displaying a landscape that could only resemble Hell. Papa emerged from the fog in a "pope-like" outfit. Except it was black, adorned with satanic imagery, and covered in metallic bones. There was so much creativity and intention in every single part of the production.

I don't want to give too much away, as Ghost's "Skeletour" is still on the road. But, this was my first time seeing the insanely popular, genre blending rock band. I can confidently say, that after this experience, it wont be my last.