Johannes performing in Hell and Heaven Open Air - Toluca, México | 04.12.2022 Photo by: @rolandoradiou

Ghost: The making of one of the greatest rock shows on Earth

We catch up with Ghost mastermind Tobias Forge on the road to find out what goes into making one of the best shows in rock, and why you’ll n

Kerrang!

An hour-long meet and greet session precedes each show on these American dates, providing those willing to pay for the privilege with a photo op with the figure Tobias suggests “you would never, ever, ever bump into on the street”.

These have led to rather profound encounters, too, with attendees sharing heartbreaking accounts of personal tragedy and the pivotal role Ghost’s music has played in them enduring their hardships. These moments touch the heart of the man beneath that inscrutable mask.

“It makes you humble,” admits Tobias of the things he’s been told. “I think it’s a therapeutic ritual before the show, because you get to know your fans. It’s a really good feeling to be close to them and find out who they are and what they like. A lot of them are very similar to me in what they’re interested in.”

For a Ghost fan, it’s probably a bit more interesting [to hear Idolatrine] than hearing you play, for example, “Enter Sandman”.

(Silence) Tell me, why do you think we’re playing “Enter Sandman” live on this tour?

Because it’s a killer song, your version is great and everyone will sing along?

(Smiles) Partly, but not only. We play this song almost every night because the money from the rights to our cover go to a charity that we have chosen [Camp Aranu'tiq], which allows transgender teenagers to go on vacation to summer camps, so they can find their space and rest at least for a moment.