GHOST B.C., IDES OF GEMINI Live in Tucson, Ariz. – Aprl 23, 2013
Tuesday night may not be the ideal time to host a metal concert, and Tucson, Ariz., isn’t exactly known for its metal scene. But the Rialto Theater was packed with wild headbangers and stagedivers during last night’s Ghost B.C. concert.
(Ghost B.C. will hereafter be referred to as simply “Ghost”.)
Ghost B.C.’s Papa Emeritus alongside a Nameless Ghoul. Photo by Alec Damiano.
The Rialto Theater was a seemingly perfect venue choice for the controversial band. With its rustic classic theater vibe and vintage red walls, the building itself matched the incense and candles burning on Ghost’s merch table.
Tucson sludge metallers Godhunter opened the show, their music a combination of death growls and doomy riffs.
Tucson metal band Godhunter performs. Photo by Alec Damiano
Next up were Los Angeles doom outfit Ides of Gemini. Singer and bassist Sera Timms’ powerful voice complemented the death march-esque drums and ripping guitar perfectly.
Female-fronted doom metal band Ides of Gemini. Photo by Alec Damiano.
Before the headliner went on, Ghost’s crew prepared a ritual where incense was lit and fog machines let out a (secular) haze filling the room.
A “secular haze” fills the room before Ghost goes on. Photo by Alec Damiano.
The Nameless Ghouls opened with “Infestissumam” and Papa Emeritus made his grand entrance during “Per Aspera Ad Inferni”.
Ghost played an approximately 90-minute setlist with songs from both their albums, “Opus Eponymous” and “Infestissumam”. Papa Emeritus interacted with the crowd regularly, allowing crazed fans to grab his hands, which were covered by black latex gloves.
Papa Emeritus preaching to the crowd. Photo by Alec Damiano.
At the end of the show, a woman climbed onstage, wearing only a dress and a thong. Two young men later rushed the stage in a desperate attempt to steal the setlist. They were pulled out of the venue by security.
Ghost have always been controversial among metalheads. While some say they’re metal, others say they’re retro pop-rock. But Ghost sound far heavier live than on their albums. Audience members may not have moshed, but they certainly banged their heads and raised their fists.
The Nameless Ghouls. Photo by Alec Damiano.
Though the mysterious band may not record the heaviest music, their show was definitely metal nonetheless.
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