Live Review: Ghost - Utilita Arena, Birmingham
20th April 2025
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
Ghost’s Skeletour World Tour rolled into Birmingham tonight, and for two thunderous hours, the Utilita Arena was transformed into something between a cathedral and a fever dream. With their signature blend of theatrical rock and religious subversion, the Swedish occult-rock juggernauts delivered a show that was more than just a concert – it was an immersive ritual in spectacle, sound, and storytelling.
From the moment the house lights dimmed and the curtain dropped, the production pulled the audience into Ghost’s twisted liturgy. A towering huge 'G'. lighting rig lit up the arena, smoke curled around the Namelss Ghouls, and as the lights shifted from deep reds to celestial blues, the entire stage seemed to breathe with each transition.
The latest Papa, Papa V Perpetua – was the high priest of the evening. His performance walked the line between pantomime villain and rock messiah, conducting the crowd with a wry smile and priestly gestures. Swapping costumes with theatrical aplomb, he remained the centre of attention even during the show’s most elaborate set pieces.
The Nameless Ghouls were razor-sharp, trading guitar harmonies and synth layers with near-mechanical precision, all while keeping their identities hidden behind their new look darkened masks. Their movements were tight, almost ritualistic, syncing with the lighting cues to perfection. Moments of choreography - especially during one of the more sultry tracks - added an unexpected layer of drama, making it feel like a piece of performance art rather than a standard rock show.
Musically, the setlist spanned the band’s catalogue while weaving in tracks from their soon-to-be-released album Skeletá. The newer songs introduced tonight leaned into a more introspective and progressive direction, with haunting vocal layers, atmospheric build-ups, and darker lyrical themes. While the audience clearly came for the anthemic choruses and bombastic hits, the fresh material was received with enthusiasm, not least because of how seamlessly it fit into Ghost’s ever-expanding mythology.
If there was ever doubt that Ghost could fill arenas without sacrificing their eerie intimacy or their tongue-in-cheek grandeur, tonight proved otherwise. The Skeletour isn’t just a celebration of their growing legacy – it’s a challenge to anyone who thinks rock theatre is dead. In Ghost’s world, it’s very much alive, and it’s wearing a mitre.
Photo Credits: Tim Finch Photography
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