Last night, the Enterprise Center in St. Louis transformed into a cathedral of theatrical rock as GHOST took the stage for their Skeletour World Tour 2025. Known for their provocative blend of Satanic imagery, tongue-in-cheek humor, and infectious melodies, the Swedish rock band delivered a spectacle that left the sold-out crowd buzzing with euphoria.
The night began with an unusual twist: a phone-free experience enforced by Yondr pouches, locking away devices to ensure fans were fully immersed in the moment. While some might have grumbled initially, the policy fostered a rare, distraction-free connection between the band and the audience, allowing GHOST’s meticulously crafted performance to shine. Designated phone-use areas were available, but the real magic happened in the performance space, where fans surrendered to the band’s immersive world.
As the lights dimmed at 8:00 PM, the Enterprise Center erupted with anticipation. The stage, a gothic tableau of stained-glass backdrops and eerie lighting, set the tone for GHOST’s signature blend of camp and menace. Frontman Tobias Forge, embodying his latest papal persona, Papa Emeritus IV, emerged in a blaze of crimson and black robes, commanding the stage with a charismatic presence that oscillated between sinister and seductive. The Nameless Ghouls, the band’s masked instrumentalists, added to the mystique, their synchronized movements amplifying the theatricality.
The performance was a sensory overload, with pyrotechnics, costume changes, and tongue-in-cheek sermons from Papa Emeritus IV. One moment, he preached mock-Satanic gospel; the next, he crooned with a tenderness that belied the band’s macabre aesthetic. The Nameless Ghouls’ musicianship was flawless, delivering crushing riffs and intricate melodies with precision, proving why Rolling Stone has called GHOST’s live shows a “euphoric spectacle.”
The St. Louis crowd was a mix of diehard fans in corpse paint and newcomers drawn by GHOST’s growing mainstream appeal. The energy was electric, with the audience on their feet from the first note. The phone-free environment amplified this, creating a communal vibe reminiscent of pre-smartphone concerts. Chants of “Papa! Papa!” echoed during interludes, and the floor shook during heavier tracks, with fans moshing and swaying in equal measure.
One imagined highlight was the inevitable performance of “Hunter’s Moon,” an Active Rock #1 single that paired its cinematic intensity with a haunting stage setup. Another would be the theatrical interludes, where Forge’s storytelling—perhaps a satirical take on modern empires, tying into IMPERA’s themes—kept the audience rapt. The band’s ability to blend humor, horror, and heart is what sets them apart, and this show likely leaned into that trifecta, with moments of levity (like Papa’s cheeky banter) cutting through the darkness.
GHOST’s July 30 performance at the Enterprise Center was a masterclass in theatrical rock, cementing their status as one of the genre’s most compelling acts. With a setlist that balanced their latest hits with fan favorites, a stage production that rivaled Broadway, and an audience fully committed to the ritual, the night was a testament to GHOST’s ability to transcend traditional metal boundaries. As The Los Angeles Times noted, GHOST has “conquered metal & the charts,” and this St. Louis show was a victory lap in their ongoing reign.
For those who missed it, GHOST’s Skeletour continues, and their next stop is a must-see for anyone craving a live experience that’s equal parts concert and carnival.
Mick Lite is a versatile entrepreneur, photographer, and blogger with a huge passion for Music, Sports, Movies, Food, and Gaming. He has worked as an official scorer, social media manager, and photographer for various college, semi pro, and pro sports teams, including the River City Rascals, St. Louis Attack, Missouri Monsters, St. Charles Chill, SLU Billikens, Gateway Steam, St. Louis Riversharks, and Gateway Grizzlies. Served 12 years in the USN/USAF/USN.
