Ghost, the enigmatic Swedish rock band fronted by Tobias Forge, captivated a national audience with a striking performance of their song “Lachryma” on the July 23 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The appearance, filmed in Studio 6B at Rockefeller Center in New York City, is now available for viewing on the official The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon YouTube channel, and you can see it down below.
This late-night television spot comes as Ghost continues the U.S. leg of their ambitious “Skeletour” world tour, supporting their recently released sixth studio album, Skeletá, which debuted in April. The “Skeletour” represents a significant evolution in Ghost’s live presentations, showcasing their most theatrical and cinematically grand production to date.
The immersive stage design, a collaborative effort between Tobias Rylander and Tobias Forge, draws inspiration from the stark beauty of brutalist cathedrals found across Europe. The result is a stage that transforms into a imposing sanctum, a fusion of sacred temple and rock coliseum, blending ornate gothic symbolism with the sharp lines of modernist concrete architecture.
Central to the visual spectacle is the “Grucifix“—Ghost’s unique reimagining of the crucifix, based on their iconic logo. This colossal structure hangs above the band, serving not only as a striking visual centerpiece but also as a dynamic lighting rig, casting an ethereal glow over the entire performance space. Rylander’s design further incorporates sculptural scenic facades on the lighting pods, mirroring the intricate textures and verticality found within cathedral interiors, thereby reinforcing the ecclesiastical themes integral to Ghost’s identity.
The lighting scheme for the tour embraces a retro-rock aesthetic, featuring visual nods to the classic stage productions of Queen and Van Halen. A notable milestone for the band, “Skeletour” is their first full-scale video production, spearheaded by Rylander and video director Amir Chamdin. With compelling video content from Green Wall Designs, the creative direction extends beyond the physical stage, evolving into a truly immersive multimedia experience.
The very stage itself is engineered to be an active participant in the theatricality of the show. Multiple elevated performance platforms, mechanical lifts, and concealed entrances are strategically integrated, facilitating dramatic reveals and seamless character transitions throughout the performance. This “living, breathing cathedral of performance” redefines the Ghost live experience, where sacred architecture powerfully collides with the raw energy of rock and roll.
Tobias Rylander, a celebrated designer renowned for his work across global music tours, fashion, theater, and art installations (including collaborations with Beyoncé, The 1975, Childish Gambino, and FKA Twigs), marks his first creative partnership with the Grammy Award-winning band with “Skeletour,” adding a new dimension to Ghost’s already iconic stage presence.
The European leg of Ghost’s 2025 world tour commenced on April 15 in Manchester, United Kingdom, and concluded on May 24 in Oslo, Norway. The North American leg launched on July 9 in Baltimore, Maryland, and is set to wrap up on August 16 in Houston, Texas.
Upcoming North American dates for the “Skeletour” include:
- July 25: Louisville, KY, US – KFC Yum! Center
- July 26: Nashville, TN, US – Bridgestone Arena
- July 28: Grand Rapids, MI, US – Van Andel Arena
- July 29: Milwaukee, WI, US – Fiserv Forum
- July 30: St Louis, MO, US – Enterprise Center
- August 1: Rosemont, IL, US – Allstate Arena
- August 2: St. Paul, MN, US – Xcel Energy Center
- August 3: Omaha, NE, US – CHI Health Center Omaha
- August 5: Kansas City, MO, US – T-Mobile Center
- August 7: Denver, CO, US – Ball Arena
- August 9: Las Vegas, NV, US – MGM Grand Garden Arena
- August 10: San Diego, CA, US – Viejas Arena
- August 11: Phoenix, AZ, US – PHX Arena
- August 14: Austin, TX, US – Moody Center
- August 15: Fort Worth, TX, US – Dickies Arena
- August 16: Houston, TX, US – Toyota Center
Additionally, Ghost has announced two dates in Mexico:
- September 24: Mexico City, Mexico – Palacio de los Deportes
- September 25: Mexico City, Mexico – Palacio de los Deportes
