By Jordan Raiff
After being nominated for the 2016 Grammy for “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance”, Ghost took much of the music world by surprise. After winning the Grammy, the world began to pay attention. Formed in Sweden in 2008 and clad in thick black suits with metal face masks (minus the lead singer in face paint) Ghost put those who had yet to see them perform on notice; either get on board or get ran over. While stuck to a mid-festival slot, and only 45 minutes of stage time, Ghost was able to capture the attention of nearly everyone in attendance.
Of course a large part of the audience they were captivating was made up of a demographic that until 10 years ago was largely seen as the fringe demographic; 13-20 year old females. After watching three young ladies (among many others) at the security rail for Ghost, I cannot tell you how wrong these record executives were. Jumping up and down trying to catch guitar picks as they sail over their heads, yelling to the band, reaching out in hopes of a moment, doing whatever they could do to show Ghost their devotion. These girls got their wish. As the end of the third song loomed the lead singer Papa Emeritus II made his way towards these young ladies, squatted down and pointed at them as he sang to them in much the same way a crooner from the 1950’s would.
If Ghost can continue to connect with their fans in this way, sell records, and captivate audiences like they did at Fort Rock, there is no limit as to how far they can go. In my opinion, if they can keep this up there is no reason they won’t headline Fort Rock by 2018, and their own tour by 2019.