Swedish rock band Ghost’s rituals (for the uninitiated, read concerts) are known for their entertaining blend of quality theatrics, electrifying musical performances and a sprinkle of quirky comedic bits thrown in for good measure. Their show at San Diego’s Viejas Arena saw the group kick it into high gear.
Fans were lined up in the blazing SoCal sun hours before doors were scheduled to open and just like the band, many arrived in full regalia and face paint. The difference between this tour and Ghost’s previous treks lies in the cell phone-free policy they have since implemented with the goal of taking fans out of their own worlds and transporting them to the halls of the Ministry. This was a success; the audience appeared to be thoroughly immersed and engaged in the elaborate production which consisted of LED screens, inflatable staging, pyrotechnics and a huge Grucifix lighting fixture.
Once inside the venue, fans were treated to a medley of classic rock hits playing over the speaker. Twisted Sister’s iconic “We’re Not Gonna Take It” was interrupted half-way through with a hair-raising ambient arrangement, something frontman Tobias Forge said was included as a palette cleanser of sorts, making sure that the next time fans hear rock music, it will be from the haunting catalogue of Ghost.
As soon as the lights went off, the entire venue filled with screams of anticipation. The gorgeously ethereal choral opening of Peacefield began playing with the band performing the first couple of moments behind a tattered kabuki curtain. Perpetua and his flock of ghouls were revealed at the climax of the song with the curtain dropping to shouts of approval.
Skeletá standout “Lachryma” followed shortly after with the nameless ghouls holding down the fort on their respective instruments. Its irresistibly catchy chorus had fans singing word for word, solidifying Skeletá‘s rightful place among the setlist.
Next up was a particularly theatrical performance of “Spirit,” the beloved Meliora opening track. Papa V Perpetua was suspended behind the drum riser while delivering his powerful vocals, his purple papal robes glimmering under the stage lights.
A deep cut from sophomore album Infestissumam made it to the setlist with Papa and a nameless ghoulette leading a sing along with the audience. Prequelle‘s lauded “Faith” in its heavy splendor made an appearance as well along with Impera lead single “Call Me Little Sunshine.”
Before launching into Rite Here Rite Now‘s “The Future Is A Foreign Land,” Papa made a brief speech about the state of affairs in the world today, asking audience members if they were in favor of the current political landscape of the U.S. following the reelection of Donald Trump.
“Good for you. Enjoy it while it lasts. And for the rest of you, just remember, the future is a foreign land,” Perpetua remarked with a tone of hope.
Grammy award-winning track “Cirice” followed after the “Devil Church” instrumental from Meliora proving to be one of the most highly anticipated moments of the night with fans hoping to be ‘ciriced’ by Papa.
Impera’s balladic “Darkness At The Heart Of My Love” served as a centerpiece of the night with its goosebump inducing, soaring chorus and melodic arrangement hypnotizing fans. The pace picked back up when the band launched into “Satanized,” the lead single from their newly released sixth studio album which arrived back in April. Footage from the music video was shown on the LED screens during this performance, harkening back to the humor the band is known for. The comedy was alive and well with Papa taking a moment to remember a past performance in which the location of the show was humorously (and incorrectly) dubbed “San Frandiego.”
If there was one song that stole the show on musical merit alone, it was “Umbra.” The cowbell is truly tantalizing, not to mention the macabre yet sensual lyrics that accompany. The next song, “Year Zero,” was the true show-stopper of the night with the heat of the pyrotechnics palpable throughout the venue. Fans were faithfully reciting the lyrics word for word, even trying their hand at the high note in the chorus, “Hell Satan, archangelo!”
“He Is,” “Rats” and “Kiss The Go-Goat” followed one after another, prompting dramatic costume changes from Papa to maintain both aesthetics and mood. “Mummy Dust” kicked it up a notch as one of the heaviest songs of the night, growls and guitars be damned. During the performance, confetti, in the shape of $666 dollar bills, rained down from the top of the venue, showering fans in highly sought after mementos.
“Monstrance Clock” served as a proper sing-along as well with the lyrics displayed on screen. The song served as the last of their main set, although Papa and the ghouls returned to the stage several moments later for the encore, a hit heavy trio of some of Ghost’s most beloved hymns.
TikTok-famous “Mary On A Cross,” fan-favorite “Dance Macabre” and all-around classic “Square Hammer” finished out the night with a bang, cementing the band as the face of the future of rock and roll.
Ghost San Diego – Viejas Arena 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
Ritual
Umbra
Year Zero
He Is
Rats
Kiss the Go-Goat
Mummy Dust
Monstrance Clock
Mary on a Cross
Dance Macabre
Square Hammer
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