Tobias Forge reveals Ghost’s hiatus details
The world of heavy music often thrives on the spectacle of the live show, but sometimes the greatest performance is the decision to step away. Ghost frontman Tobias Forge recently opened up about his decision to take a much-needed hiatus from the road, revealing a complex mix of exhaustion, creative longing, and a deep desire to simply be home.
Following the completion of their recent work, including the ‘Skeletour‘ and the 2025 album ‘Skeletá‘, Forge took a pause. He admitted that the immense responsibility of managing the massive demand from fans and the logistics of touring had become overwhelming. For much of his career, the attention he received was a double-edged sword, but now, without a clear direction for where to go next, he felt the weight of that responsibility was too heavy.
The recent 70-date tour, while ultimately a phenomenal finale, left him physically and mentally depleted. Reflecting on the experience, Forge described it as a grand conclusion rather than a continuation. “If this is it, I’m pretty pleased. This is a fucking great repertoire, great band, they sound phenomenal,” he stated, acknowledging the quality of the performance before realizing he needed space.
The decision to pause wasn’t born from a lack of passion, but rather a creative blockage. Forge explained that without a specific idea to pursue, forcing himself to create another record felt pointless. He noted that past creative endeavors were driven by genuine inspiration, whereas this time around, he simply felt that there was nothing concrete to aim for. “I don’t have an idea,” he admitted, emphasizing that the hiatus was less about contractual obligation and more about needing time to find new inspiration.
Beyond the music, the need for time away was deeply rooted in personal priorities. Forge shared that his focus shifted to family, noting that he has two children waiting at home. This personal reality provided the necessary impetus for him to prioritize his mental and physical well-being, recognizing that he needed to be present for his family, especially as his children are growing up.
Yet, this pause does not mean a complete retreat from creativity. Forge is actively pursuing other passions, having lined up various creative projects outside of Ghost. He is working on film projects and other recording endeavors, demonstrating that while Ghost may be taking a breather, the creative engine remains fully engaged.
Looking ahead, Forge is also contemplating the narrative of the band itself. He suggested that the lengthy storytelling—the band’s “lore”—might be ripe for an evolution. He expressed a feeling that if fans require that deep history to appreciate the band, that element may soon become less necessary, opening up room for a fresh, evolving chapter in Ghost’s story.
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