Ghost’s Tobias Forge Plans To Beat Claustrophobia By Becoming A Scuba Diver

Ghost visionary Tobias Forge has spent the better part of fifteen years performing behind layers of latex and greasepaint, but the frontman recently revealed that his commitment to the bit has resulted in a significant psychological toll: claustrophobia. In a bid to overcome this occupational hazard, Forge is looking to the ocean for a solution.

Speaking in a new interview with Metal Hammer, Forge opened up about the anxiety that comes with having his head encased in prosthetics for hours every night. Rather than retreating from the feeling of confinement, he intends to lean into it by pursuing a scuba diving license as a form of exposure therapy.

“Throughout my years in masks, I’ve developed quite a not-comfortable claustrophobia,” Forge admitted. “One thing that I’m looking forward to doing at some point is getting myself a scuba diving licence.”

According to Forge, exploring the depths of the ocean has been a lifelong dream that was previously hindered by financial and scheduling constraints. Now, however, he views it as a necessary step to maintain his mental fortitude on stage.

“I’ve always wanted to do that, for all my life! But I didn’t have any money and couldn’t afford it. Then my next problem was I didn’t have time,” he explained. “Now I’m like, ‘I need to do that.’ I need to make sure that I get to terms with my claustrophobia. I’ve always been very ‘maritime’ and drawn to the ocean. In my alternative life, I’m a wreck diver!”

The severity of Forge‘s struggle with the masks is not new. He recently detailed a harrowing incident from 2015, during the Papa Emeritus III era, where the combination of a restrictive mask and a venue with limited exits triggered a mid-show panic attack.

“I didn’t think of it until during the show, when all of a sudden I was like, ‘I need to know where the door is… I can’t get to the door. Stop! Stop! Get the mask off!’ I had to get everything off. Restart the whole thing,” he recalled.

Currently, Forge is touring in support of Ghost‘s 2025 album, Skeletá. For this cycle, he has adopted the persona of Papa V Perpetua, notably wearing a mask that only covers the top half of his face—a design choice that likely offers some relief from the claustrophobia he described.

Ghost is currently on a break but will resume the Skeletour in North America on January 21, 2026, at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. These upcoming dates will continue the band’s strict phone-free policy, utilizing Yondr pouches to ensure an immersive experience.

Ghost “Skeletour” – 2026 North American Tour Dates:

• • January 21 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center
• • January 22 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
• • January 24 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
• • January 25 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
• • January 26 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
• • January 28 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
• • January 30 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
• • January 31 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
• • February 2 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
• • February 4 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
• • February 5 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena
• • February 7 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
• • February 10 – Salt Lake City, UT – Delta Center
• • February 12 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena
• • February 14 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
• • February 15 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
• • February 17 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
• • February 20 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
• • February 21 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
• • February 23 – Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome