Ghost | Aug 15, 2023 | Huntington Bank Pavillion

The day following my experience at the Re-Imperatour featuring Ghost as the headliner at the Huntington Bank Pavilion, I can confidently say that this ranks as the second-best Ghost performance I've attended (Just a little bragging here - this marks my fourth time seeing them live). The concert featured a total of 18 songs, with 3 songs included in their encore. The setlist was a well-curated mix, drawing from the diverse catalog of Papas that constitute the Ghost Clergy.

The show kickstarted with a duo performance of "Imperium" and "Kaisarion," both from their fifth studio album, Imperium. The stage was transformed into a church-like setting, meticulously adorned with pillars, staircases, and stained glass windows. The main backdrop displayed a montage of the various Papas, accompanied by what many speculate to be an Easter egg representing Papa IV, possibly as an anti-christ figure.

On song 13, there was a pause in the performance, during which Papa Nihil's coffin was brought to the stage. In an elaborate moment, he was "resurrected" to join the musical fray, showcasing his saxophone skills during "Miasma."

The atmosphere of the concert was truly remarkable. Ghouls had gone all out in their attire, embodying the personas of nuns, popes, and papas. Dressed in a mix of religious attire and latex, the visual spectacle was truly captivating. The crowd was seen clutching their Papa IV plush toys (which seemed to be less unsettling than the original, infamous Copia plushes).

Papa IV masterfully engaged with the audience, using a seductive vocabulary that prompted the fans to enthusiastically "plead" for more songs. This particular show undoubtedly stood out as the highlight of the summer entertainment lineup. As the performance concluded, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and anticipation for the final show date. The lingering question remained - would Papa IV meet the same untimely fate as his predecessors, or could he indeed be the prophesied antichrist?

** Videos contain strobe lights**

The Venue:

Huntington Bank Pavillion at Northerly Island

1300 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

• Parking: Don't be fooled, VIP is the way to go. We parked at soldier field ($35) then had to go the bathroom so bad that we took a rickshaw for the 3 blocks there ($30)

• Venue area: Love the venue!

• Bathroom sitch: GREAT BATHROOMS! Don't use the port-a-pots outside... the flushable trailer toilets in the venue are amazing!

• Corn dogs were ON POINT!

• The best shaker cocktail is the Prickly Pear