Denver Colorado’s Ball Arena Presents An Evening with GHOST - READ IT HERE

BY: Terrell Stewart

Thursday August 7, 2025: I arrived at Ball Arena right as the doors opened, drawn by more than just the music—I wanted to witness the spectacle of fans transformed. Makeup, robes, and elaborate costumes mirrored the band’s gothic grandeur, turning the concourse into a living tribute. Ghost’s no-cell-phone policy made perfect sense: this wasn’t just a concert, it was a shared ritual of sight and sound, where the boundary between performer and audience blurred. As one of only four photographers granted access, I felt a jolt of excitement as we made our way to the soundboard. The air inside was electric—buzzing with anticipation as fans streamed to their seats. The crowd was a cross-generational mix: older devotees, wide-eyed kids in face paint, and parents introducing the next generation to the spectacle.

      As the arena filled with the opening of Peacefield, the opening track from Ghost’s latest album, the stage remained completely obscured behind a towering curtain. No lights, no silhouettes—just sound. The music hung in the air like incense, setting a contemplative tone that felt more like a requiem than a rock show. Fans leaned forward, sensing something sacred about to unfold. Then, with a sudden drop, the curtain revealed the full tableau: Papa V Perpetua standing center stage, wearing a black shirt and silk tie. A silver mask that only covers his nose and around his eyes wearing a black hat. Behind him loomed the drum riser—an imposing, multi-tiered platform shaped like a gothic altar. Twin Tama bass drums sat like sentinels at its base, while cymbals and toms crowned the top like relics of ritual. The Nameless Ghouls flanked in black outfits with skeletons printed on them. Some wore hats while other members wore a head piece with a veil and their instruments were gleaming under the lights. The crowd erupted in a deafening roar and it was nice not to see 100’s of cell phones in the air.

      Above the stage was a very large set of lights shaped in a Grucifix that was tilled a bit behind the drummer. Throughout the show the lights danced across the stage through the fog, C02, and I loved seeing the dry ice flow to the front of the stage. I moved to my seat and I was very happy with the view, I could see everything on the stage. After the fourth song the Grucifix was raised to a level position and the back of the stage was lined with large church windows with stained glass artwork. The set list was a great mix of their music over the years. From 2010’s “Elizabeth”, “Devil Church” from 2015, “Cirice” from 2015, “Darkness at the Heart of My Love” from 2022. As the song Year Zero was finishing, flame throwers lined the back of the stage to add to the many effects on stage. Through all this, Ghost’s fans were loud and very supportive showing their love for the band. On stage the Nameless Ghouls moved about and at times moved to the front of the stage to display their wizard-like skills. At one point, Papa V Perpetua left the stage only to return from under the stage with a “cow bell”! Then handed it to one the Nameless Ghouls and they took to it. I couldn’t help chuckling about it!

      Winding down with “Monstrance Clock” from 2013, the band disappeared only for a brief moment. They returned with a three song encore, the arena went crazy as Ghost finished their evening with, “Mary on a Cross” “Dance Macabre”, and “Square Hammer” had the venue singing. 

      This was one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen in my life! The music, the stage settings and lights from everywhere along with the other effects. This is a must see show and it ends in Houston, TX on August 16th. 

      Ghost are:
      Tobias Forge and The Nameless Ghouls

      Set List:
      Peacefield 2025
      Lachryma 2025
      Spirit 2015
     Per Aspera ad Inferi 2013
     Elizabeth 2010
     Call Me Little Sunshine 2022
     The Future Is a Foreign Land 2024
     Devil Church 2015
     Cirice 2015
     Darkness at the Heart of My Love 2022
     Satanized 2025
     Ritual 2010
     Umbra 2025
     Year Zero 2013 
     He Is 2015
     Rats 2018
     Kiss the Go-Goat 2018
     Mummy Dust 2015
     Monstrance Clock 2013

    Encore
    Mary on a Cross 2019
    Dance Macabre 2018
    Square Hammer 2016