On stage are three totally different Papa Emerituses – Papas II, III and V, to be exact – standing alongside an amused trying Sister Imperator, as one more Papa Emeritus, this one wearing Donald Trump apparel, struts via a crowd of some hundred cheering, jeering and laughing onlookers. Of stated onlookers, about half are additionally in numerous states of fancy costume – we rely dozens extra Papas, a pair extra Sister Imperators, Anonymous Ghouls aplenty and numerous nuns, monks, demons and devils.
I have never downed a bag of shrooms, caught on Skeletá and began tripping my balls off. That is simply the usual type of scene you possibly can look forward to finding at Ghost Con, the UK’s solely fan conference devoted solely to everybody’s favorite devilish, masked social gathering metallers, Ghost.
Very a lot unofficial however apparently totally endorsed by Tobias Forge, the Oz-esque mastermind behind the precise Ghost, Ghost Con is now in its third yr, having moved from its earlier residence in Sheffield to Salt Field in Nottingham. It is a native gig venue that, in response to posters dotted round, will quickly be internet hosting Slipknot and System Of A Down tribute gigs, in addition to ‘Britallica’, the “final Britney Spears steel tribute” (precisely what number of Britney Spears steel tributes are presently on the circuit stays unconfirmed).
Round a dozen stalls are arrange across the conference’s two flooring displaying off all the pieces from customized Papa Emeritus plushies and figures to fan artwork, jewelry and put up playing cards. There’s additionally a face portray sales space (decide your favorite Papa!), tarot studying and a mini-exhibition that includes souvenirs, memorabilia (sure, the Ghost dildos are in there) and even just a few Metallic Hammer covers from throughout the years.
“The tattooist got here all the way in which from Liverpool, however she forgot to carry her license, so she could not arrange!” says Nik, the conference’s founder and organiser as he greets us. Nik will probably be taking part in later along with his personal Ghost cowl band, Popestars, however till then, he is operating store.
“I needed Popestars to be an immersive expertise,” he explains of how the unique Ghost Con got here collectively. “With Ghost having extra merch than the Spice Women, I brainstormed a load of foolish concepts throughout lockdown. Finally, it grew to become a full on conference!”
Truthfully, it makes good sense: Ghost’s combination of theatricality, world-building and a battle chest of area steel bangers has earned them one of the vital devoted followings in music. Followers of all ages are right here, from excited teenagers to oldsters with their Ghost battle jacket-donning toddlers, and other people have travelled from so far as the US to be right here. And I actually cannot overemphasise how many individuals have dressed up; I have been to comedian cons with fewer costumes.
Leisure comes within the type of, you guessed it, a whole lot of performances of Ghost songs, main-evented by each Popestars and the UK’s different distinguished Ghost cowl band, Host. There’s additionally a dwell Satanic ritual, a cosplay contest that finally ends up being extra of a catwalk (that is the place Papa Trump is available in) and an over-18s afterparty that features a drag efficiency and a burlesque set from Ghost Con’s major host, Vita DeVoid.
Picture 1 of 12
There are even on-stage appearances from two real Ghost alumni: the band’s former studio drummer, Ludvig Kennberg, and beloved ‘Cowbell Ghoul’ (and, it ought to be stated, revered producer and In Flames keyboardist) Niels Nielsen. Following a fan Q+A, the duo make cameos in Popestars’ headline set, to a rapturous response.
“It’s a large household, filled with geeks, freaks and weirdos,” beams Nik once I ask him what it’s concerning the Ghost group that makes it particular. “Ghost save a whole lot of misplaced individuals and invigorate everybody’s secret passions for dressing up and being artful. It’s extra than simply superior music.”
You must be passionate to be cool with listening to Sq. Hammer performed in numerous types about seven occasions in a single afternoon, however that is the facility of Ghost. Subsequent yr, I have to bear in mind to carry my mitre.
Ghost Con will return in 2026
