Whitney Writes…

This past weekend, an entirely new experience for Ghost fans occurred. A Ghost concert film. (Thank you, Taylor Swift & Beyoncé for paving the way and starting this glorious trend that I hope continues.) But it was so much more than just that for us Ghost fans. It also picked up the storyline of the lore from the Chapters, which you can find here on YouTube.

I attended the Re-Impera Tour in Pittsburgh, PA, and it was as magical as any. But, I would have given anything to have been able to also attend the one of the final two shows at Kia Forum in Hollywood. The mystery surrounding the shows built and built, given they were listed as not allowing cell phones.

If you follow the Ghost lore at all, you know that there have been four Papas. Each Papa has only been around for one album cycle before retiring – whether by choice, or forced by the Clergy is unclear. And again, if you follow Ghost, you know that Papa IV, aka Cardinal Copia, aka Cardi, has survived two album cycles. A rather unprecedented accomplishment. I have not been a forever fan of Ghost, even though it feels like I have loved them all my life, and even I knew that once the Impera Era ended, that would likely mean doom for my beloved Papa IV.

When showing dates were announced, I was ecstatic to see that my little home-town theater had scored a showing. No, it wasn’t on the mega screen that Taylor Swift had been on, but I hadn’t really expected it to be. I immediately bought two tickets – perhaps even before they were officially on-sale – and began my eager countdown until showtime.

The film itself was mesmerizing. My heart was racing in anticipation the entire two hour and twenty-five minute run time. There were multiple times I would be grinning, remembering the banter that had occurred at a particular moment when I had seen them live, but it was slightly altered/trimmed for the film, and my partner would be looking at me like I was mad.

And perhaps I was – or am – because Ghost, and watching Ghost transports me to an entirely different state of mind.

Rite Here Rite Now was campy, spooktacular, and just as riveting as a live Ghost concert. “If You Have Ghosts” was included live, complete with a piano, two cellos, and an opera singer. It was such a beautiful rendition that I actually felt tears forming in my eyes. A thing I had worried would occur due to the storyline of the film, because while I accept that Papa IV will not be around forever, he is the one I found Ghost with. He will forever hold a special place in my heart as my original Emotional Support Swedish Satanic Antipope. While I don’t wish to out-right spoil it for anyone, I left the theater with excitement in my heart for what is coming next.

“If it all burns down, I will hold you close for the minute it takes.”

“Let us pray for more, in 2024.”