Ghost frontman Tobias Forge recently opened up about his decision to take a break from the band after their upcoming Skeletour dates. He shared personal and creative reasons behind this choice in an interview with Full Metal Jackie.
Forge explained that both family priorities and creative exhaustion have led to this decision. He compared his situation to that of an overworked craftsman.
“One, I have my family. Duh. Of course, everybody knows that. I’ve had two kids waiting at home with my wife for 15 years, and maybe that says something about me that it wasn’t a pushing enough factor during those years,” Forge said. “Believe me, I felt bad, but I’ve definitely come to a point where not only do I need — I feel physically and mentally I need to be home, simply because they’re 17; they’re not gonna be around for an eon.”
The Ghost mastermind also used a vivid analogy to describe his creative burnout.
“Imagine you being a house builder, and you draw up houses, great ideas, but you’re also doing the permits and you’re also doing the tiles and you’re building everything and you’re sewing up all that [shit] and putting it all together. I don’t simply have an idea. And I’m out of tiles. I’m out of wood. I just don’t have it,” he continued. “So the only way for me to come up with a new idea and get some new inspiration is to just step away. It is as simple as that.”
Despite the break from Ghost, Forge emphasized that he won’t be idle during this period.
“But it doesn’t mean that I’m not doing anything. I have two film projects that I’m working on. Just before I left for tour, I was recording another album with another thing. So I have tons of stuff lined up for me [for] the coming years,” he said. “And also hobbies that I have put aside a little, just because for the last 15 years Ghost has obviously been force majeure.”
Forge also revealed a shift in his perspective regarding maintaining momentum with the band.
“And over the years I’ve been very worried about momentum and just keeping it going because I have so many ideas and I don’t wanna lose speed. And I just came to a point where I’m, like, I’m actually fine if the momentum is not there. It’s cool. I’m good. I feel good about that. If I lose it, okay,” he concluded.
This announcement comes as Ghost prepares to complete their current Skeletour dates with no immediate plans for future band activities.
The timing of Forge’s announcement coincides with recent challenges the band has faced during their ongoing tour. Metal Injection reported that Ghost was forced to cancel the first of their three scheduled Mexico City shows after Forge fell ill with food poisoning. This highlights the physical toll that extensive touring can take on performers.
The Swedish musician’s decision to step back reflects a broader understanding of the creative process that has developed over Ghost’s remarkable journey. Since the band’s formation in 2006, Forge has been the driving creative force behind Ghost’s theatrical metal concept. He has crafted elaborate stage personas and storylines that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Ghost’s evolution from underground Swedish metal act to mainstream success has been marked by Forge’s meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the band’s presentation. The project has grown from playing small venues to headlining major festivals and arenas. Each era has brought new characters and musical directions under Forge’s creative vision.
The band’s recent work continues to demonstrate Forge’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries, even as he acknowledges the need for personal renewal. His approach to balancing artistic ambition with family responsibilities represents a mature perspective on sustaining a long-term creative career in the demanding music industry.
