The Swedish rock band Ghost canceled its first of three scheduled concerts in Mexico City on Tuesday, September 23. Frontman Tobias Forge, known as Papa Emeritus V Perpetua on stage, experienced food poisoning, making it impossible for the band to perform. The remaining two shows in Mexico City are still planned to proceed.
Key Takeaways
- Ghost canceled its September 23 Mexico City concert.
- Frontman Tobias Forge suffered from food poisoning.
- The band plans to play on September 24 and 25.
- Refunds are available for the canceled show.
- This tour has a strict phone-free policy.
Unexpected Cancellation in Mexico City
Ghost, the acclaimed hard rock group, announced the cancellation of their Tuesday night performance at Palacio de los Deportes. The news came shortly before the concert was set to begin. This show was the initial date of a three-night engagement in the city.
The band released a statement through their social media channels, explaining the reason for the last-minute change. They specified that Tobias Forge, the band's founder and lead singer, had become ill with food poisoning. This condition prevented him from taking the stage.
"It is with deep regret that we must inform you the Ghost show tonight, September 23, has been cancelled. Tobias Forge is suffering from food poisoning, which makes it impossible for the band to perform. The concerts scheduled for September 24 and 25 will take place as planned."
Refund Process for Ticket Holders
For fans who bought tickets to the canceled September 23 show, the band provided clear instructions for refunds. Those who purchased tickets online will receive an automatic refund to the card used for the transaction. The timing of these refunds depends on individual banking institutions.
Customers who bought their tickets at Ticketmaster outlets can request a refund starting September 26. These refunds must be processed at the same location where the original purchase was made. This process ensures all affected fans can recover their money.
Fact: Ghost's Skeletour
The Mexico City dates are the final stops on Ghost's global Skeletour. This tour supports their latest album, Skeletá, released earlier this year. The tour has visited many countries worldwide.
Remaining Shows to Proceed
Despite the cancellation on September 23, Ghost confirmed that their concerts on September 24 and September 25 will still happen. These shows are also scheduled at Palacio de los Deportes. Fans holding tickets for these dates should plan to attend as normal.
The band expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation. They aim to deliver their planned performances for the remaining two evenings. This commitment helps reassure fans looking forward to the shows.
Creative Promotion for Mexico City Dates
Before the Mexico City concerts, Ghost engaged in unique promotional activities. They used a mariachi band dressed in spooky costumes to generate excitement. This creative approach highlighted their theatrical style and connected with local culture.
Such promotional efforts are common for Ghost, known for their elaborate stage personas and visual presentations. The band often blends their music with a strong visual identity. This strategy helps them connect with audiences globally.
Context: The Phone-Free Concert Experience
Ghost's Skeletour is notable for its strict phone-free policy. This format means attendees cannot use their mobile phones during the concert. The band first tested this approach in October 2023 for two shows in Inglewood, which were filmed for their movie Rite Here Rite Now.
Yondr Pouches Enforce Phone Ban
To enforce the phone ban, Ghost uses Yondr pouches. These are magnetically sealed bags provided to attendees upon entry. Security personnel seal mobile phones inside these pouches. Fans keep their phones with them but cannot access them during the show.
The only way to unseal a Yondr pouch is with the help of security staff when leaving the venue. This system ensures that all concert-goers remain fully present and engaged with the live performance. It removes distractions from mobile devices.
Tobias Forge on Phone-Free Gigs
Tobias Forge has publicly supported the phone-free concert experience. He described the practice as a "life-changer." He shared his positive feelings about the new format during a live Q&A session in Birmingham, UK.
"Just walking off stage first night [of the tour] was just, like, this has completely changed the entire outlook of how this feels. So, yeah, now we’re doing that. And I think that there are a lot of bands that are looking at this and just, like, ‘OK, so how do we do that too?’"
Forge believes this approach enhances the live music experience for both the band and the audience. He noted that other bands are observing Ghost's success with this policy. This suggests a potential trend in the music industry.
Other Artists Adopting Phone Bans
The concept of phone-free concerts is gaining traction. In 2024, Bruce Dickinson, the vocalist for Iron Maiden, expressed his approval of Ghost's method. Iron Maiden also encouraged fans to limit phone use during their own 50th-anniversary tour, "Run For Your Lives."
Iron Maiden plans a concert in June at La Défense Arena in Paris where phones will be banned. They will use the same Yondr pouch system as Ghost. This shows a growing movement among major bands to create a more immersive concert environment.
- Enhanced Audience Experience: Removing phones encourages direct engagement.
- Reduced Distractions: Fans focus on the performance, not their screens.
- Artist Preference: Many artists prefer an audience that is fully present.
The trend towards phone-free concerts highlights a desire to return to a more traditional live music experience. It allows both artists and fans to connect without digital interruptions. This shift could redefine concert etiquette for future events.
