Photos: Aaron Thackeray
Review: Shannon Shumaker
VIEW THE FULL PHOTO GALLERY HERE.
A Ghost concert is so much more than a concert. If you’ve ever had the chance to see the iconic band live, then you know exactly what I’m talking about, but if not, then let me break it down for you. From their theatrical live presence and surprisingly witty humor on stage to their incredibly devoted fans, who spend hours doing their makeup and creating costumes to wear to the show, a Ghost concert feels more like a cross between live theatre, a metal show and comic-con, with quite a bit of humor thrown into the mix. I knew all of this going into the band’s recent show at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colorado, and still, I was amazed and surprised by their incredible performance.
The last time I saw Ghost live was in 2017 at the 3,900 capacity Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, and to say that the band has grown immensely since then would be an understatement. Aside from the obvious differences within the band (In April of last year, Ghost revealed that Cardinal Copia would be taking over for Papa Emeritus as the band’s leader) this show felt larger than life compared to that previous performance. The venue this time around was nearly two times the size of the Fillmore, and the band brought along one hell of a production that put their previous performances to shame. That’s not to say that they weren’t good last time by any means, but it felt as if their production (which consisted of multiple wardrobe changes for Cardinal Copia, a beautiful light show and even fireworks) finally suited their stage presence. It was over the top, stunning and even a little campy at times, but it felt perfect.
Normally, I balk at artists who have their live performances obviously choreographed, but for Ghost, I wouldn’t expect (or want) anything less. The show felt so much bigger than just any regular concert, which would explain the devoted and excited fans who drove or flew many hours to be there. The crowd ranged from aging metalheads to small children in the very front row, donning their own masks and face paint, making the show feel very inclusive without losing its edge. Somehow, Ghost have managed to find the perfect balance between dark and light, seriousness and humor, and it made their show an absolute must-see.