Tobias Forge, the frontman for the Swedish hard rock band Ghost, publicly apologized to fans in Mexico City for the last-minute cancellation of their concert on Tuesday. The show, the first of three planned performances, was called off due to Forge experiencing food poisoning.
During Ghost's performance on Wednesday, Forge addressed the audience directly, expressing his regret and explaining the health issue that led to the unexpected postponement. The band confirmed that the remaining two shows at Palacio de los Departes would proceed as planned.
Key Takeaways
- Ghost canceled its first Mexico City concert due to Tobias Forge's food poisoning.
- Forge apologized to fans during the subsequent show on Wednesday.
- The band's current 'Skeletour' is notable for its phone-free policy, enforced by Yondr pouches.
- Other major artists, like Iron Maiden, are adopting similar phone bans for concerts.
Concert Postponement and Public Apology
On Tuesday, September 23, Ghost announced that their initial performance at the Palacio de los Departes in Mexico City would not take place. The announcement came shortly before the venue doors were scheduled to open. The reason provided was that Tobias Forge, who performs as the masked character Papa V Perpetua, had fallen ill with food poisoning.
Fans were informed that the concerts scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, and Thursday, September 25, would proceed as planned. This gave many attendees reassurance about the rest of the band's engagement in the city.
During the Wednesday night show, Forge took a moment to speak to the audience about the previous night's cancellation. Footage of his apology was later shared on Ghost's official social media platforms. He acknowledged the disappointment caused by the last-minute change.
"I feel better tonight," Forge stated in the video. "I’m so sorry about last night." He then added a lighthearted comment: "At the end of the day, I am just a gringo [a Latin American term for 'outsider'], coming here with my army, asking for too much. So no wonder I got hit by the curse of Montezuma [a colloquial term for traveler’s diarrhea]!"
The Skeletour and Its Unique Phone Policy
Ghost's Mexico City dates mark the final stops on their extensive worldwide 'Skeletour'. This tour supports their latest album, 'Skeletá', released earlier this year. The band promoted their Mexico City appearances with unique local flair, including a spooky mariachi band.
A distinctive feature of the 'Skeletour' is its strict phone-free policy. Ghost first experimented with this format during two concerts in Inglewood in October 2023. These shows were filmed and later became part of their 'Rite Here Rite Now' film project.
Fact: Yondr Pouches
The phone ban is enforced using Yondr pouches. These are magnetically sealed bags that attendees keep with them. Security personnel seal mobile phones inside these pouches upon entry to the venue. Phones can only be unsealed by security staff when guests leave the show.
Tobias Forge, the creative force behind Ghost, has described the phone-free practice as a "life-changer." He believes it significantly enhances the live concert experience for both the audience and the performers. This approach encourages attendees to be fully present during the show.
Impact of Phone-Free Concerts
Forge shared his initial reactions to the policy at a live Q&A event 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," he explained. He noted that other bands are observing Ghost's success with this method.
According to Forge, a growing number of artists are now considering implementing similar bans. This trend suggests a shift in how live music events are experienced, prioritizing immersion over constant recording and sharing.
Industry Trend: Phone Bans
The concept of phone-free concerts is gaining traction in the music industry. In 2024, Bruce Dickinson, the vocalist for Iron Maiden, expressed his admiration for Ghost's initiative to ban phones. When Iron Maiden announced their 'Run For Your Lives' 50th-anniversary tour last year, their manager, Rod Smallwood, urged fans to minimize phone use.
Iron Maiden plans to implement a full phone ban for their show at La Défense Arena in Paris in June, utilizing the same Yondr pouches used by Ghost. This indicates a broader movement among artists to create more engaging and present live performance environments.
Band's Message to Fans
Following the successful second and third shows in Mexico City, Ghost posted a message to their fans. The message, attributed as "[MESSAGE FROM THE CLERGY]", reinforced the band's commitment to their performances.
"We wish to inform you that the show must always go on! Thank you Mexico City!" the band tweeted, accompanied by the hashtag #GhostinCDMX. This message confirmed the band's dedication despite the initial setback.
The band's performance in Mexico City concluded their current tour cycle. The tour has been a significant period for Ghost, promoting their new album and pioneering new concert formats. The fan reception to the phone ban has been largely positive, with many appreciating the focus on the live experience.
This approach highlights a growing conversation in the entertainment industry about how technology impacts audience engagement. By removing distractions, artists like Ghost aim to foster a deeper connection with their fans during live events. The success of these phone-free shows could influence future concert policies for many other touring acts.
