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RECAP: GHOST BRINGS 'SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR' TO ROGERS ARENA

  • 9 hours ago
  • 4 min read

On Valentine’s Day, Vancouver traded roses for robes as Ghost returned to town with their Skeletour World Tour. The Swedish band packed Rogers Arena on February 14, delivering a polished, theatrical set that leaned heavy on crowd favourites. There was no opening act because Ghost did not need one.



Photos by Caroline Charruyer / Backspin HQ


The Ghost Skeletour World Tour is part of a busy winter run for the band. It follows last year’s release of Skeletá and continues through February 23 with a stop at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Vancouver marked the band’s first local appearance since 2019, when they played Pacific Coliseum. The jump to an NHL-sized arena felt earned.


One noticeable difference from most arena shows was the strict no-phone policy. All phones were locked away in Yondr pouches before fans entered the seating areas, turning the night into a fully present experience. It changed the feel of the room right away. People talked, looked around, and actually watched the band instead of their screens. During big moments like “Year Zero” and “Square Hammer,” there was nothing glowing in the air except the stage lights. For a band that leans so hard into atmosphere and ritual, the no-phone rule worked. It made the night feel more focused, more communal, and honestly more memorable.


Ghost hit the stage right on time. “Peacefield” opened the night with a curtain reveal that amped up the crowd, followed by “Lachryma” and “Spirit” to push the energy higher. Visually, the band stayed true to the Ghost look while tightening it up for an arena setting. Papa Emeritus cycled through multiple outfits, each one fitting the ritual vibe without feeling overdone. The Nameless Ghouls wore matching skeletal masks and tailored black outfits that looked amazing under the lights and a little menacing up close. The stage design leaned into gothic church imagery, with the cross-shaped lighting rig hanging above the band and subtle stained-glass style visuals behind them. Fog, shadows, fireworks, pyro and controlled lighting did most of the work. It was more focused on mood than excess, and it matched the music perfectly.



During in the set, frontman Papa Emeritus addressed the crowd and acknowledged the long gap between Vancouver shows. He apologized for the wait, then walked fans through the band’s local history. He mentioned their first Vancouver show at the Rickshaw Theatre, then the Commodore Ballroom, which he joked about remembering very well after having to take two showers there. From there came the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Pacific Coliseum, and now Rogers Arena. He thanked the crowd for sticking with the band over the years, praising fans for caring and showing up.


That gratitude carried into the music. “Per Aspera ad Inferi” and “From the Pinnacle to the Pit” landed hard, with the floor crowd fully locked in. “Call Me Little Sunshine” followed, one of four tracks from Skeletá included in the set. The new songs blended smoothly with older material and never slowed momentum.


The middle of the show leaned into Ghost’s melodic side. “Cirice” and “Darkness at the Heart of My Love” drew the loudest singalongs of the night, while “He Is” gave the arena a brief emotional breather. “Satanized” was a standout. The newer track hit with force and confidence, sounding built for big rooms. “Year Zero” turned the arena into something closer to a mass. It was one of the most visually striking moments of the night.



Later in the set, Ghost leaned into fun. “Rats” had the floor bouncing, and “Kiss the Go-Goat” brought out Papa’s humor. Before the song, he wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day and joked about fans hoping for something extra. He quickly shut that idea down, saying he could not go through everyone and offering a kiss instead. The song kicked in immediately after, to loud cheers. “Mummy Dust” delivered the expected chaos, complete with confetti and theatrical flair. The regular set closed with “Monstrance Clock” and a slow singalong.


The encore sealed the deal. “Mary on a Cross” and “Dance Macabre” turned the arena into a moving dance floor, and “Square Hammer” closed the night in classic Ghost fashion. Big riffs, big lights, and a crowd that did not want it to end.

Ghost’s Skeletour World Tour stop in Vancouver was confident and controlled. The band never relied on spectacle alone. They trusted the songs, trusted the crowd, and delivered a sharp two-hour set that justified the arena upgrade. Seven years was a long wait, but it felt worth it.


Remaining Ghost Skeletour World Tour Dates

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FAQ: Ghost Skeletour Vancouver & Tour Info


Why were phones banned at the Ghost concert?

Ghost used Yondr pouches to ensure a "phone-free" environment. This allows the band to maintain the theatrical surprise of the show and encourages fans to stay focused on the performance rather than recording it.


What was the Ghost Vancouver setlist for 2026?

The setlist featured tracks from the new album Skeletá including "Peacefield" and "Satanized," along with staples like "Cirice," "Year Zero," and "Square Hammer."


How long is a Ghost concert?

The Skeletour World Tour set typically lasts approximately two hours, with no opening act scheduled for this leg of the tour.


What are the remaining dates for the Skeletour?

The North American leg of the Skeletour World Tour continues through late February, including stops at the Moda Center in Portland and the tour finale at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on February 23.

Ghost: Skeletour World Tour Quick Facts

 
 
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