Ghost Unveils Papa V Perpetua and Announces Global 2025 Tour: Dates, New Songs, and Belgian Performance
Swedish occult rock band Ghost has officially launched a new era with the unveiling of its latest frontman, Papa V Perpetua. This transition marks the beginning of a highly anticipated world tour in 2025, alongside a new aesthetic, unreleased songs, and a bold new vision for the band. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Papa, the upcoming album, and when Ghost will perform live in Belgium.
Meet Papa V Perpetua: The New Face of Ghost
Continuing their tradition of introducing a new "Papa" with each musical cycle, Ghost now presents Papa V Perpetua, portrayed once again by mastermind Tobias Forge. Known for taking on different identities like Papa Emeritus I–IV and Cardinal Copia, Forge uses each persona to define a unique sonic and visual chapter for the band.
Although full visuals of Papa V Perpetua have yet to be revealed, Ghost teased that his official debut will take place on July 5th, 2025, during a special performance in Birmingham, UK, coinciding with the farewell event for Black Sabbath. Fans expect a dramatic transformation that reflects the thematic direction of the upcoming album.
Ghost’s New Album and Musical Direction
With each new Papa comes a shift in tone and concept. While Ghost has not yet released official tracks under Papa V Perpetua’s reign, fans speculate that the next album will explore new musical dimensions, staying true to the band's signature blend of heavy rock, doom elements, and theatrical storytelling.
This upcoming record, still untitled, is rumored to include lyrical explorations of rebirth, mysticism, and spiritual satire, continuing the band's tradition of combining thought-provoking content with powerful stage performances. It's expected that new songs will debut during the first leg of the Ghost 2025 tour.
Papa V’s Look: What to Expect
Ghost’s visual identity is as essential as its sound. Each Papa has brought a new visual narrative—ornate robes, haunting makeup, and symbolic accessories. Although the design of Papa V Perpetua hasn’t been fully revealed, fans anticipate a bold evolution in the band's image, likely combining classic papal iconography with futuristic or apocalyptic elements to complement the darker musical tones.
The mystery around the new look is driving significant buzz online, boosting engagement across platforms like Instagram, Reddit, and YouTube.
Ghost 2025 Tour: First Dates and Belgian Stop
Ghost’s 2025 world tour kicks off in Manchester, UK, at the AO Arena on April 15, 2025. From there, the band will travel across Europe with multiple sold-out shows.
📍 Belgian fans, mark your calendars: Ghost will perform at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp on April 22, 2025. This show is expected to be one of the highlights of the European leg, featuring the live debut of new material and the theatrical entrance of Papa V Perpetua.
The European tour will conclude on May 24 in Oslo, Norway, before Ghost heads to North America, where the first show is scheduled for July 9 in Baltimore, MD, ending on August 16 in Houston, TX.
Additional tour dates for Latin America, Asia, and Oceania are expected to be announced in the coming months.
What to Expect from the Live Experience
Ghost concerts are known for their high-concept staging, cinematic visuals, and storytelling through music. With the arrival of Papa V Perpetua, fans can expect a next-level production including:
- Brand-new lighting and visual effects
- Theatrical costume changes
- Immersive stage design with religious and occult symbolism
- Setlists blending classic hits and unreleased tracks
The band is reportedly investing in state-of-the-art technology to create an even more immersive experience for fans, including visual projections, pyrotechnics, and possible interactive fan experiences during the show.
Final Thoughts
The emergence of Papa V Perpetua signals another thrilling chapter in Ghost's legacy. With a fresh identity, new music on the horizon, and a global tour ready to shake venues worldwide, the band continues to push boundaries and redefine theatrical metal.
Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Ghost for the first time, 2025 promises to be a milestone year for the band. Don’t miss your chance to witness the spectacle—especially if you’re in Belgium, where the band will ignite Antwerp’s Sportpaleis on April 22.
