Ghost frontman Tobias Forge recently discussed the production value of the band’s ongoing Skeletour world tour, comparing it to pop shows in an interview with Global News.
Forge explained how the current tour’s production has evolved to match his long-term vision for the band’s live performances.
“I think that we’re in a good place right now with the production,” Forge said. “What the Skeletour ended up being in terms of production value is very near, conceptually, what I’ve had in my mind for quite a long time, with respect to how I wanted the show to evolve through different stages or acts, if you will.”
The Ghost singer elaborated on how their approach now resembles pop productions more than traditional rock shows.
“In a way, I guess, slightly more resembling a pop show,” he continued. “I went to see Lady Gaga recently and we’re not doing the same thing, but I could definitely tell from a production point of view that what we’re doing is more closely related to that than many other rock bands.”
Forge’s comparison to pop productions becomes clearer when examining the scale and complexity of the Skeletour production itself.
PRG reported that the tour features nine musicians, countless costumes, heavy rigging weighing roughly 136,000 pounds, over 800 moving lights forming the Grucifix logo, and 400 LED tiles. This theatrical and dense production setup demonstrates the band’s commitment to creating a spectacle that rivals major pop productions.
The Skeletour supports Ghost’s sixth album Skeletá and represents a significant investment in stage production that matches Forge’s artistic vision. Louder Sound noted that the tour continues with a 2026 North American leg that started January 21 in Orlando, bringing this elaborate production to venues across the continent.
The Swedish band’s approach to touring has evolved significantly over the years. The current production represents the culmination of Forge’s long-term vision for Ghost’s live performances. GhostBC Wiki documented that the Skeletour began in Europe in 2025 before expanding to North America, showcasing the band’s commitment to delivering a consistent, high-production experience across multiple continents.
The tour’s North American dates run through February 2026, giving fans across the continent the opportunity to experience what Forge describes as Ghost’s most ambitious production to date. This theatrical approach positions Ghost alongside pop acts in terms of production value while maintaining their distinctive metal sound and aesthetic.
