Ghost’s 2025 Skeletour isn’t just another chapter in the band’s theatrical saga, it’s one of the most personal and emotionally charged eras in their history. Frontman Tobias Forge has been open about the challenges that led to the creation of Skeletá and the rise of Papa V Perpetua. This character represents rebirth, struggle, and resilience.
Burnout, Rebirth, and Papa V Perpetua
After years of relentless touring and maintaining Ghost’s elaborate world of costumes, rituals, and stagecraft, Forge admitted he was close to burning out.
"Papa V represents rebirth through struggle," Forge explained. "It’s the realisation that sometimes you need to tear it all down to build something stronger."
That vulnerability has connected deeply with fans. Skeletá has been praised as one of Ghost’s most introspective records, and Papa V’s darker, refined look has already become iconic among collectors.
A Phone-Free Ghost: “A Life-Changer” for Fans and the Band
The 2025 Skeletour introduced another bold move: a strict no-phone policy. Forge recently called the decision a “life-changer” for both fans and the band.
"You can actually see people’s faces again," he said. "The energy in the room feels alive in a way it hasn’t for years. We’re experiencing the show together—not through a screen."
The Sabbath Song That Got Away
Forge also revealed a personal wish that never came to fruition: he had hoped to perform the Black Sabbath deep cut “Under the Sun” at the legendary Back to the Beginning farewell show.
"I get it—it had to be a crowd-pleaser," Forge admitted. "But that song has always meant a lot to me, and it would’ve been my way of tipping my hat to where Ghost really came from."
Tobias Forge on How ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Shaped Ghost’s Sound
Forge is not only a fan of Black Sabbath’s music, but he has revealed how Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody shaped his approach to songwriting, calling it “a world in itself” and a lesson in fearless creativity.
Forge praised Freddie Mercury as the ultimate frontman, blending theatricality with deep emotional connection—something he strives to replicate in Ghost’s music. “It taught me you don’t have to follow a formula; you can build an entire universe within one song,” he explained. Forge credits Queen’s bold melodies and genre-bending style as a major influence on Ghost’s sound, proving that even the heaviest metal can be rooted in strong, timeless melodies.
Inside Ghost’s Unique Songwriting Approach
Forge’s honesty extends beyond stage life. In a recent interview, he discussed why vocals are the most personal instrument in Ghost’s songwriting.
"When you play guitar or drums, you can hide behind technique," Forge explained. "But singing is exposing—you’re delivering emotion directly, no filter. That’s why I approach vocals differently than any other instrument."
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