Behind the Scenes of Ghost’s Spectacular Stage Design

If you’ve seen Ghost‘s latest tour, then you know just how insane their stage design is. I had the great privilege of sitting down with stage designer and overall genius Tobias Rylander for a behind-the-scenes interview regarding the creation of the tour from first concept to final delivery.

Collaboration with Ghost

First Encounter and Evolution of the Show

This was actually my first time working with Ghost and Tobias Forge! We were introduced to each other by Amir Chamdin, a film director who also directs the music videos for Ghost. Amir and I have known each other for a long time and collaborated on several projects. When Forge and Amir started plotting the Skeletour, they knew they wanted to incorporate more video screens and content. Amir also became the creative director alongside Forge. Together, the three of us began sketching and developing the stage and show design.

The design is a natural extension of what Ghost has always represented. It’s a progression that felt almost obvious. Ghost embodies the essence of a great rock and roll spectacle. Being a lifelong KISS fan, working with Ghost is the closest I will come to creating a KISS show. With Forge and Amir also being fans, we have a lot of fun during the creative process!

Planning the Live Show

Logistical Considerations

The first step in planning a live show involves understanding the logistics. As a show designer for arena and stadium productions, it’s crucial to know what is feasible. This includes estimating the number of trucks needed, the design’s budget, and the crew size required to execute the vision. We must also assess the venue’s capacity to support the weight of the design elements being used.

With over 20 years of touring experience, I have a solid grasp of what can be achieved. However, it always requires collaboration with a skilled crew and production team to transform ideas into reality.

From Concept to Reality

Bringing the plans to life often begins with a “napkin sketch” or a sketchbook. Tobias Forge has a knack for drawing and a clear vision of what he wants. This collaboration allows me to become his draftsman, refining ideas until we reach a point where we can focus on the technical aspects. We utilize 3D CAD programs for visual representations, which help everyone involved understand what the show will look like before we enter rehearsals.

Production rehearsals can be overwhelming. Everything must come together: rigging, trusses, lights, and scenic elements must all be installed in a specific order. Despite meticulous planning, the initial rehearsals can be nerve-racking, but witnessing the transformation from paper sketches to a full Ghost show is incredibly rewarding!

Creative Input and Collaboration

Balancing Ideas and Logistics

In terms of creative input, Tobias Forge is the visionary behind Ghost. He has a deep understanding of the band’s lore and direction, and we prioritize his ideas. The main constraints we face are logistical: how long it takes to load in the show, the crew size, and the time available to pack up and move to the next venue. This is where we sometimes have to scale back our ideas.

Forge is an incredibly creative individual who is generous to his fans. If it were feasible, the show would be even bigger!

Highlights of the Stage Design

Proud Achievements

One aspect I’m particularly proud of is the massive Grucifix. This symbol of the band had never been constructed on such a grand scale before. It is custom-built, heavy, and supports numerous moving lights and strobes. Its proportions and aesthetics are something I’m truly happy with.

Additionally, I designed new scenic elements for the band risers, and as someone who started in lighting design, creating 3D scenography with skulls and bones has been a dream come true!

Challenges in Lighting Design

The biggest challenge when plotting Ghost‘s live lighting is storytelling. With such a complex lighting rig, it’s easy for designers to become overly ambitious. Forge has a clear vision of what the show should be, which helped me refine the lighting to be more theatrical and focused. In hindsight, this restraint was essential for the show’s success.

Memorable Moments

Standout Experiences

Choosing a favorite moment from the show is challenging, as there are so many. However, I particularly enjoy the dramatic first reveal of the stage, which is always exciting. The collapsing church scene is also incredible, along with Forge‘s costume changes. The entire experience is just fantastic!

Conclusion

Ghost is currently out there kicking ass on their world tour, which just started on April 15. This spectacular stage design is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire team behind the scenes. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s definitely a show you won’t want to miss!

FAQs

How long did it take to design the stage for the current tour?

The design process involved multiple brainstorming sessions and sketches, but on average, it can take several months to finalize the stage design.

What is the most challenging part of creating a stage for a band like Ghost?

Balancing creative vision with logistical constraints is often the biggest challenge. Ensuring that the ideas can be executed within the time and budget limits is crucial.

How many people are involved in setting up the stage for a concert?

The crew size can vary, but typically, it involves dozens of professionals, including riggers, electricians, and stagehands, all working together to create the final product.

What materials are commonly used in the stage design?

Materials can include metal for structural elements, fabric for scenic backdrops, and various lighting fixtures, depending on the design requirements.

Will Ghost continue to evolve their stage design in future tours?

Absolutely! As Tobias Forge and the band continue to innovate, fans can expect even more spectacular designs in future tours.