Ghost Skeletour, The O2 Arena, Greenwich, 19th April 2025

Words: Lucy Walker/ Pictures: Nick Davarias

Hmm somehow, on Saturday 19^th April, I found myself in Greenwich surrounded by nuns and feeling like I was back in my convent school days but…ever so slightly off.

I have heard of Ghost. I mean who hasn’t, but I have never really been able to get myself into their music. I have tried many times but for some reason, it has never really clicked for me. Now I am sure you are asking ‘well why bother?’ You see, even though I have struggled to listen to their music in whatever format, I have always wanted to see the show.

Ghost are legendary (kind of like KISS’s extravaganza) in that they have created an experience, an event that draws the crowds in and presents a world of evil religion and alternate faith and Satan and all the bad things us Catholic girls were warned about. So yeah, I had to go – it’s almost mandatory.

One of my favourite things upon walking into the O2 was the beautiful number of cosplaying fans walking around amongst the normies (who seemed to accept it as every day). Nuns in their habits which were so short, they were basically belts (loved it); all genders wearing nun headdresses; men dressed in what looked like the classic Vatican City robes; vast amounts of faces in white and black makeup; the Ghost logo painted on cheeks; and my favourite, sparkly, glittery pink jackets. For someone who had never seen them before, that last one was very confusing.

Not going to lie but while we had a quick pint before walking in, this was so fun to watch that I was genuinely excited at seeing the show.

It all kicked off promptly at 20:30hrs with no support. Just two hours of Papa V Perpetua and the Nameless Ghouls to look forward to. There was a rustle, a crowd cheer, a note and then the curtain dropped with a whoosh and finally they were here. They launched into ‘Peacefield’ but I am not sure as again, not listened before and…I was underwhelmed. There were bright white lights at the base of the stage that blinded me from seeing what was happening and it just felt very bland. Thankfully those lights were abandoned, and the light show began. [It’s also new for the entire crowd, being the opening track off new album “Skeleta” due out April 25th – Ed]

Looking around, the fans were eating it up and had all stood up in the seating areas, but I just didn’t get it. I couldn’t understand but then as I was soon to learn, I had not been exposed enough to Papa V [Or IV, III, II or I or even Cardinal Copia – there’s so much back story to fill in here – Ed]. As the show progressed, I found myself drawn into the act and the feel of Ghost, helped enormously by the devotion of Ghost’s fans. It was absolutely adorable how much they were involved in this, singing along to most of the songs and dancing with each other.

They followed with yet another new song from their latest album, and this is the latest single as well “Lachryma”, and you could see a dip in the vibe of the crowd. I don’t think it was because they didn’t like it but that they were not yet properly familiar with the track. The visionary that is Tobais Forge, the man behind Papa V obviously came back with more of the faves, but for me, the defining moment which turned me into a Ghostie [or.. Ghouls, Ghoulettes, Ghulehs, Legion… take your pick – Ed ] was the stage backdrop changing into the familiar stained-glass windows and suddenly we were in a cathedral. It was enthralling and exciting. When the haunting chant of ‘Belial, Behemoth, Beelzebub, Asmodeus, Satanas, Lucifer’ from ‘Year Zero’ began, chills went down my spine and this ex-Catholic was converted.

With pyro making an explosive impact throughout, glitter being shot out over the captivated crowd, smoke billowing out from the depths of Hell, this was way better than going to the theatre (or church) having everyone give off this amazing family (or congregation) vibe, it was just a special night.

I was totally confused about Papa V’s papa writing and performing ‘Mary on a Cross’ (part of the encore) in 1969 until my friend explained it was not his actual Dad (yes I thought that was true). My friend (male) also explained ‘Monstrance Clock’ which is my second favourite, but I could work it out from the lyrics and the video backdrop anyway.

Would I listen to Ghost tracks now? Not sure. Would I go see them again? Yes! Every single damn time as I now feel like one of the family! If you ever want to be a part of a welcoming, inclusive, evil, devil (or not) worshipping shenanigan again, come on over. We won’t eat you…