GHOST Kicks off ‘Ultimate Tour Named Death’ Tour in Bakersfield

Rabobank Arena | Friday, September 13, 2019

A Swedish rock band Ghost’s frontman Cardinal Copia performing at the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California on Friday, September 13, 2019. Photo credit: Maurice Nunez

WORDS BY LANA RACHEL AND PHOTOS BY MAURICE NUNEZ | Go Venue Magazine

After seeing Ghost more than 20 times one might think, what could possibly be new?  Why keep seeing this band?  Well, there’s a bit of nostalgia of course, especially when they play their older songs. That takes me right back to 2013 when I first discovered them. But as much as they aren’t the same band from back then, they really still are. The live performance breathes life into the mystique and magic of Ghost. The way the Ghouls interact with each other and with the Cardinal, much like they interacted with Pàpa, makes a Ghost show a personal experience.

They play to the audience and reach the individual in the crowd just the same whether playing a small venue or a large arena.

Tonight I had the pleasure of seeing Ghost at the Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, California to kick off their Ultimate Tour Named Death, and as usual, they did not disappoint. They surprised us with the release of two new songs the day before the show, so I was hoping they would play at least one of them at the show tonight. They played ‘Mary on a Cross’ early in the set and it sounded amazing, and is still stuck in my head at the moment. 

The set list for tonight was:
Ashes | Rats | Absolution | Faith | Mary on a Cross | Devil Church | Cirice | Miasma | Ghuleh/Zombie Queen | Helvetesfönster | Spirit | From the Pinnacle to the Pit | Ritual | Satan Prayer | Year Zero | Spöksonat | He Is | Mummy Dust | Kiss the Go-Goat | Dance Macabre | Square Hammer

While I would have loved them to play a lot more from their first two albums, the show was still packed full of energy and amazing songs. The Cardinal was much less talkative than the Pàpas have been in the past, but he’s the new guy, so I’ll cut him some slack. We also saw the plague doctors come out to lurk about a darkened stage with their lanterns.

What could they be foretelling?  Possibly the next incarnation of the Ghouls?  Are they bringing about the plague to plunge Ghost back into the darkness for a return to a more sinister, malevolent time?  How would YOU write the next chapter of the Ghost saga?  Personally I am enjoying the ride so far, so I’ll let them keep telling it. I have a feeling we are in for more surprises, some laughs and more great music and performances along the way!

All images © Maurice Nunez
=====================================
Follow Go Venue Magazine Online
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram