Image: Ghost [ghost-official.com]
Tobias Forge is not only the singer and creator of Ghost, but also the driving creative force behind the scenes. From the band’s lore to their stage performance and iconic aesthetic — especially the defining figure Papa Emeritus and his successors — the entire concept of Ghost is held together by Forge, who is often described as the band’s “mastermind.”
Twenty years after the band was founded, Ghost are bigger than ever; most recently they were out on an extensive world tour with their new album Skeletá. However, some time ago Forge already announced that he was planning to take a break despite the band’s success, speaking openly about it on the radio show hosted by Full Metal Jackie.
Reasons Behind the Ghost Hiatus
As the first major reason for the upcoming Ghost break, Forge mentions his family:
"One, I have my family. Duh. Of course, everybody knows that. I've had two kids waiting at home with my wife for 15 years, and maybe that says something about me that it wasn't a pushing enough factor during those years. Believe me, I felt bad, but I've definitely come to a point where not only do I need — I feel physically and mentally I need to be home, simply because they're 17; they're not gonna be around for an eon."
He also explains that new inspiration is essential if Ghost is to continue in the future:
"Imagine you being a house builder, and you draw up houses, great ideas, but you're also doing the permits and you're also doing the tiles and you're building everything and you're sewing up all that [shit] and putting it all together. I don't simply have an idea. And I'm out of tiles. I'm out of wood. I just don't have it. So the only way for me to come up with a new idea and get some new inspiration is to just step away. It is as simple as that."
Despite years of worrying about the band’s future, Forge now feels that the time for a break has finally arrived:
"And over the years I've been very worried about momentum and just keeping it going because I have so many ideas and I don't wanna lose speed. And I just came to a point where I'm, like, I'm actually fine if the momentum is not there. It's cool. I'm good. I feel good about that. If I lose it, okay."
New Film Projects & Music in the Works
However, things definitely won’t get boring — even with Ghost taking a break as Forge’s biggest band project. In addition to other recordings, two film projects are already lined up:
"But it doesn't mean that I'm not doing anything. I have two film projects that I'm working on. Just before I left for tour, I was recording another album with another thing. So I have tons of stuff lined up for me [for] the coming years. And also hobbies that I have put aside a little, just because for the last 15 years GHOST has obviously been force majeure."
