Ghost @ Nationwide Arena (2/2/2026)
I started the evening weaving through people lined up for the show. The sense of community the band evokes was immediately evident, so many people were dressed up or wearing face paint, waiting out in the cold. I loved seeing all the different versions of Papa on the faces of the fans, and the different faces of Papa we’d also see during the show.
Lead singer Tobias Forge has held many different personas as the leader of Ghost over the years, lending new characters to each album. Ghost’s most recent album, Skeletá, aligns with Tobias’s current character, Papa V Perpetua. While researching the band, I realized just how deep the lore goes. Ghost is so much more than a band, it’s a story and an experience. Part of that experience includes the eight Nameless Ghouls, anonymous members of the band dressed in masks and dark clothing.
The stage was absolutely packed with lights and lit beautifully, making every skull and stage adornment clearly visible. A black, tattered curtain covered the stage and dropped during the opening song, “Peacefield,” from their newest album. Despite opening with two new tracks, the band quickly moved into some classics, which everyone sang along to.
I went into the show only familiar with their massive hit “Mary on a Cross,” but left with a whole playlist of songs I really dug. Another huge part of the experience that I have to mention: phones being prohibited. This was my first concert without phones, and it definitely changed the experience, mostly for the better. All my photos had hands in the air instead of screens. People were more present, myself included. The only downside was not being able to take a video to show my friend who’s a fan of the band, but that just means we’ll have to attend together next time they’re in town.
Overall, I had such a good experience. Ghost is a band that combines theatrical storytelling with technically cool music, topped off with beautiful vocals and a charismatic leader. Even if you’ve never heard their music before, it’s worth throwing on some face paint and giving it a shot.
Photos by Shelly Duncan
