GHOST performed at Peoria Civic Center Arena in Peoria, Illinois on February 5, continuing the Skeletour World Tour's triumphant sweep through the American Midwest. The phone-free concert featured the band's now-signature immersive theatrical production, with Tobias Forge commanding the stage as the newly revealed Papa V Perpetua — the latest evolution of GHOST's iconic frontman persona, officially named on February 5, 2025.
The Skeletour has established itself as one of the most visually spectacular metal tours in recent memory. Forge's ability to transform arena shows into ritualistic theatrical experiences sets GHOST apart from virtually every other heavy act on the planet. The elaborate stage design, coordinated lighting, pyrotechnics, and the band's choreographed movements create an atmosphere that blurs the line between rock concert and dark theatrical performance.
The setlist drew heavily from "Skeleta," the band's 2025 album that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 — a historic achievement as the first hard rock album to top the chart since 2020, selling 86,000 equivalent units in its first week. Fan favorites from earlier albums ensured that the crowd remained engaged throughout, with "Square Hammer," "Mary on a Cross," and "Cirice" generating some of the loudest sing-alongs of the evening.
The phone-free policy, enforced through Yondr pouches, has been a defining feature of the Skeletour, encouraging audiences to fully immerse themselves in the spectacle rather than viewing it through a screen. Early reviews from the North American leg have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the enhanced atmosphere the policy creates.
The tour next moves west toward Salt Lake City on February 10 before continuing through Denver, Phoenix, and Sacramento, building toward the grand finale at Intuit Dome in Inglewood on February 23. Forge has indicated he plans to step away from live performances after the Skeletour concludes, making these remaining dates all the more significant for GHOST devotees.