Ghost
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
February 20, 2026
Photos by Raymond Ahner
Swedish rock giants Ghost brought their massive 75+ date world-wide Skeletour Golden 1 Center in Sacramento last Friday evening, transforming the arena into a cathedral of spectacle and sound. From the moment the clergy-like Nameless Ghouls took their positions beneath a wash of green light, the atmosphere felt ritualistic—equal parts rock concert and spectacle.
Frontman Tobias Forge, in the guise of his latest papal persona, commanded both the stage and the crowd with his usual charismatic irreverence. His presence balanced sinister aesthetics with playful charm, a contrast that has become one of Ghost’s defining traits. Opening with “Peacefield,” the first track of the band’s latest release Skeletá, and then launching into “Lachryma,” the band immediately established a wall of sound—polished yet powerful, melodic yet metallic.
A major strength of the night was Ghost’s seamless blend of heavy riffs and arena-ready hooks. “Cirice” drew one of the loudest singalongs of the evening, its haunting introduction giving way to a chorus that reverberated through the crowd. Meanwhile, the driving “Rats” injected a jolt of swaggering energy, complete with synchronized guitar movements and dramatic lighting cues that pulsed in time with the beat.
Visually, the production was nothing short of spectacular. Multi-level gothic cathedral backdrops, plenty of pyro, and carefully choreographed spotlighting enhanced the band’s occult-inspired imagery without overshadowing the music itself. The Ghouls’ anonymity only heightened the mystique, allowing Forge to remain the magnetic focal point. Yet despite the elaborate costumes and satanic pageantry, there was an undeniable sense of fun. Forge’s between-song banter—wry, slightly cheeky, and surprisingly warm—kept the mood celebratory.
The peak of the evening arrived during “Darkness at the Heart of My Love,” with the arena of costumed fans pumping their fists in the air. It was a reminder that beneath the dark theatrics lies a band with an exceptional gift for melody.
By the encore, culminating in the anthemic “Square Hammer,” Ghost had once again fully converted the masses. The performance proved that their appeal goes far beyond gimmickry; it rests on sharp songwriting, disciplined musicianship, and a keen understanding of spectacle. In an era hungry for larger-than-life rock experiences, Ghost continue to reign unholy—and unmatched.
Here’s a slideshow with more photos of Ghost by Raymond Ahner:
Ghost
Ghost
Ghost
Ghost
Ghost
Ghost
Ghost
Ghost
