The masters of mystery and metal theatre are at it once more! Ghost have officially announced their “new” frontman for the band’s 2025 tour — and in true Papa Emeritus style, it’s not exactly straightforward.
Fronted by Tobias Forge, Ghost has built its entire mythos around constantly “replacing” their lead figure, with each tour cycle seeing the arrival of a new Papa Emeritus or Cardinal Copia. Fans have now been introduced to the latest incarnation: Papa Emeritus V (though some are already arguing whether this makes him VI, thanks to Forge’s cheeky habit of rewriting Ghost’s own lore). 😅
The big reveal dropped during a theatrical teaser video that shows the previous Papas being ceremoniously “retired” in typical over-the-top Ghost fashion. This time, Forge is leaning even harder into the character play — the robes are grander, the mitre taller, and the eyeliner even more dramatic. Proper job! 🏴
Ghost’s 2025 world tour promises more pyros, more costume changes, and more spooky singalongs than ever before. If past tours are anything to go by, expect flames, confetti, and Tobias grinning like the rock ‘n’ roll devil he is while belting out Square Hammer, Dance Macabre, and whatever new tracks he’s cooking up in the crypt. 🕯️🎶
One thing’s for sure: Ghost aren’t just touring, they’re preaching — and their sermon of riffs and spectacle is one no metalhead will want to miss.
🤘 Will you be kneeling at the altar of Papa in 2025, butt?
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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