Ghost: Live in Raleigh

 

If you know me, then you already know this: Ghost is, by far, my favorite band.

It wasn’t always that way. When I was first introduced to them in 2017, I was actually terrified by the satanic imagery and lyrics. Raised a devout Methodist in rural Appalachia, that stuff wasn’t just edgy or theatrical to me — it was serious. I could go on and on about the impact Ghost’s music has had on me, including how it played a role in my religious deconstruction and shaped who I am today… but that’s a story for another time.

This past week, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Ghost live for the second time, and this time, it was a no-phone show. Let me take a moment to sing the praises of banning phones. Yes, it was slightly annoying to sit around and wait for the band to come on without my usual time-killer, but man, was it worth it. There’s something magical about thousands of people coming together, completely immersed in the music and performance — not watching through miniature screens, but fully present in the moment.

Of course, I’m biased when it comes to Ghost and Tobias Forge in general, but this concert was truly astounding. Their increased production budget was obvious: new backdrops and graphics, camera feeds focused on every band member, not just Papa V, pyrotechnics — it was all top-tier. And the Nameless Ghouls? Impossibly talented, incredibly tight, and great with the crowd. Papa, as always, was magnetic. His connection with the audience is unmatched. He really knows how to make it feel like a ritual (the official term for a Ghost concert).

If you’re even slightly a fan, I can’t recommend seeing them live enough. If it fits your budget and travel range, they are so worth it.

I’m already looking forward to seeing them again.