Ghost brought their massive Skeletour world tour to San Diego, California on August 10, 2025. “The Congregation” of “Ghouls” packed a sold-out Viejas Arena on the campus of San Diego State University.
There was no opening act, but fans arrived early, as this was a “no phone” show, and cell phones were placed in locked bags as each person entered the venue. While waiting to enter, there were plenty of opportunities for photo ops, merchandise purchases, and swag sharing. Many of the fans created dozens of pieces of custom jewelry to share with each other, adding to the overall community feel. I have never been to a concert where most of those in attendance wore costumes, makeup, jewelry, and masks. It seemed that half of the people had put in serious time in planning and executing elaborate outfits. This was true Comic-Con level cosplay on display, and it was impressive! Even though everyone was play-acting as Satan worshippers, there was so much love, joy, and respect being shown from person to person throughout the evening. Well, after the show, plenty of folks were still hanging around, taking selfies and trading custom trinkets. It was empowering and heart-lifting to see so much joy and passion. This truly bodes well for a long and prosperous musical adventure together.
The show finally began with a floor-to-ceiling torn black cloth still covering the stage, with light shining through the holes as the band began playing “Peacefield”. Papa V Perpetua could be seen singing on the video monitors on either side of the stage. When the curtain dropped, a massive stage was revealed with eight Nameless Ghouls performing. The stage took up half of the arena floor and had multiple levels. The backdrop changed many times throughout the night, with a combination of props and video screens adding to the spectacle. A huge Ghost logo made up of lights hovered above the artists.
The crowd was extremely loud and very emotional, particularly when Papa engaged with them directly. During the two-hour performance, he spoke lovingly of San Diego and promised to always return, because the people always showed up. They were rewarded with 22 songs from nine different albums. Every phase of their career was represented, and all of them are bangers. Ghost has evolved over the past two decades, but the core themes remain, and the songs and stagecraft are full of emotion, with a touch of humour. The Ghouls do a fantastic job of performing and engaging with the audience, despite their faces being covered by masks. They are all so talented and most of the songs sound even better live than they do recorded.
You really won’t get a better concert-going experience than this. Ghost has studied all of the masters, in every genre, and has created a movement that continues to grow and cannot be stopped. They continue to push the envelope with sound and stagecraft, and they have cultivated a dedicated, growing community that welcomes all with open arms.
Ghost
Tobias Forge (as Papa V Perpetua) – Lead Vocals
A Group of Nameless Ghouls (8 total) – Guitars, Bass, Drums, Keyboards, Organ, Backing Vocals
Ghost Setlist:
1. Peacefield
2. Lachryma
3. Spirit
4. Per Aspera ad Inferi
5. Faith
6. Call Me Little Sunshine
7. The Future Is a Foreign Land
8. Devil Church
9. Cirice
10. Darkness at the Heart of My Love
11. Satanized
12. Ritual
13. Umbra
14. Year Zero
15. He Is
16. Rats
17. Kiss the Go-Goat
18. Mummy Dust
19. Monstrance Clock
Encore:
20. Mary on a Cross
21. Dance Macabre
22. Square Hammer
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Johnnie Crow is a lifelong music lover. He has photographed artists from every genre at concerts, festivals and cruises all across North America.