GHOST played Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center on July 19th, and I went. That’s the short version.
The longer version? It’s a bit messier.
I didn’t go because I’m a fan. I had never listened to a full GHOST album. I knew the band existed, and I’d heard murmurs about the lore: costumes, masks, religious satire. My partner, a fan, prepped me before the show, and to be honest, the backstory freaked me out.
I was raised Roman Catholic. Church every Sunday, went through confirmation and taught Sunday School. While I’ve since distanced myself from the Church, mostly because of its man-made laws and fear-based dogma, I still believe. In angels. In a higher power. In something greater than us. And stepping into a venue filled with inverted crosses and costumed clergy set off alarm bells in my spirit before the music even started.
The Fire Was Real and So Was the Discomfort
We had incredible aisle seats, close enough to feel the pyrotechnics during “Satanized.” Literal fire rolled across the stage, heat rushing down the aisles. But just because I felt it doesn’t mean I liked the song. In fact, “Satanized” was probably my least favorite moment of the night and one of the hardest to sit through.
The lyrics were chilling, especially in a crowd singing them aloud:
“Blasphemy, heresy
Save me from the monster that is eating me
I’m victimized
Blasphemy, heresy
Save me, from the bottom of my heart I know
I’m satanized”
Hearing that echo through an arena, sung with energy and almost joy, made my skin crawl. It felt like something sacred being flipped inside out. I tried to remind myself it was art and performance, but in that moment, I couldn’t fully detach from what I’d been taught and what I still quietly hold onto.
Entertainment Versus Endorsement
Here’s the twist: I actually enjoyed much of the concert. The costumes were incredible. The stage design was bold and meticulous. The musicians were clearly skilled. There’s no denying that GHOST puts on a powerful show. But I had to keep reminding myself to separate the visuals and lyrics from the performance, and that was hard.
Take “Call Me Little Sunshine.” At first, I liked it. The melody was catchy, even soothing in a strange way. But once I realized it was about Mephistopheles, one of the Seven Great Princes of Hell and one of the first four angels to rebel against God, that changed everything. The idea of singing in reverence to a being who actively turned away from God felt deeply wrong to me. It crossed a line I couldn’t comfortably un-cross.
So yes, I struggled. The theatricality was excellent. The music was sometimes compelling. But the messaging didn’t sit well with me. If I could fully separate myself from the symbolism, I probably would’ve enjoyed it far more. But I couldn’t. Not completely.
A Silver Lining and a Corset
That said, there was one high point I can fully own. I wore a purple and black corset, and not to brag, but it looked pretty good. Gotta love a moment of self-confidence in the middle of existential conflict.
Final Thoughts
I walked into the GHOST show as a skeptic and left still a skeptic. But also someone who can admit the band knows exactly what they’re doing. They provoke, they challenge, and they blur the line between horror and art. While I might not align with the message or even want to hear some of those songs again, I can appreciate the creativity and production behind them.
Would I go again? Probably not. But I’m glad I went once. Sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone teaches you more about what’s in it.
If you want to actually hear me talk about the concert, I did post a TikTok.
@scrinkify Ghost in Philly last night: 10/10 haunted, 0/10 rested. Still jumpy. Still tired. 🕯️🖤 #GhostBand #TooSpookyToSleep #PhillyShow ♬ original sound – Christy Mannering
