By Kreig Marks, February 2026

 

Few frontmen blend theatricality, dark humor, and heavy riffs quite like Tobias George of Ghost. As the band storms across America on their “Skeleta” tour, I spoke with Tobias to talk bones, belief, and the beautiful absurdity of life on the road.

 

Kreig:  Tobias, “Skeleta” is such a vivid title. What’s behind the name?

 

Tobias:  It’s Latin for “skeletons,” which felt perfect. The album strips our sound down to the bones, melody, mischief, and mortality. Plus, it’s a fun word to shout onstage.

 

Kreig:  The record feels heavier but somehow more spiritual, was that intentional?

 

Tobias:  Absolutely. I wanted to explore how faith and fear coexist. A distorted riff can sound like a prayer if you play it honestly enough.

 

Kreig:  The U.S. leg of the tour has been wild. Any standout moments so far?

 

Tobias:  In Detroit, someone threw a femur replica onstage during “Wicked Crown.” We turned it into a prop before the song ended. You can’t buy that kind of spontaneity.

 

Kreig:  You’re known for elaborate stage personas. How do you choose which one leads each era?

 

Tobias:  It’s like picking which ghost tells the story best. Each “Papa” or front figure represents a facet of the same soul, mine, of course, just dressed for the occasion.

 

Kreig:  Fans say “Skeleta” feels like a return to the intensity of early Ghost. Do you agree?

 

Tobias:  In a way, yes. The early records had a naïve menace. “Skeleta” reclaims that danger, but now it’s wielded with intent. We’ve polished the chaos.

 

Kreig:  The single "Ashes of Saints" blew up online. Did you expect that reaction?

 

Tobias:  Not really. It’s basically a disco song about burning down your ego. But people seemed to need a little fire, metaphorically speaking.

 

Kreig:  Your lyrics balance humor and horror. How do you strike that tone?

 

Tobias:  Rock ’n’ roll is inherently ridiculous. If you can’t laugh while conjuring demons, you’re doing it wrong.

 

Kreig:  What’s on your tour rider these days, anything unusual?

 

Tobias:  Licorice tea, earplugs that actually work, and an inflatable skeleton named “Gregory.” Gregory travels everywhere. He’s like our bony mascot.

 

Kreig:  Where in the U.S. do you feel the band connects most deeply?

 

Tobias:  Oddly enough, the South. There’s a gothic warmth here, a love for church imagery, rebellion, and good storytelling. Perfect Ghost territory.

 

Kreig:  How do you maintain your voice through an intense tour like this?

 

Tobias:  Lots of vocal rest. I talk less than people think, and sometimes the silence between songs is my favorite performance.

 

Kreig:  The visuals for “Skeleta” are stunning. How involved are you in that process?

 

Tobias:  Completely. I treat every video and costume as part of the mythology. If the music is the soul, the visuals are the bones.

 

Kreig:  Is there a song on “Skeleta” that changed you personally?

 

Tobias:  “The Hollow Choir.” Writing it made me confront the idea that success can be as lonely as failure. It’s oddly uplifting when you accept that.

 

Kreig:  Ghost has inspired a fiercely loyal fanbase. How do you describe your audience?

 

Tobias:  Beautifully weird. They show up in robes, makeup, suits, and sometimes all three. They get the joke and the sermon.

 

Kreig:  If “Skeleta” had a flavor, what would it taste like?

 

Tobias:  Smoked vanilla and iron. Sweet, dangerous, and a little addictive.

 

Kreig:  Finally, what’s next after the tour?

 

Kreig:   Sleep, maybe a séance, and then writing again. Ghosts don’t rest for long.

​

 

Tobias George and Ghost continue their “Skeleta” tour through the spring, haunting major U.S. cities with the band’s signature mix of drama, darkness, and dazzling light.