Back in April 2025, I witnessed the most spectacular rock ‘n’ roll show I have ever seen. It still ranks as my favourite ever gig. The Ghost ritual in Birmingham was more than just a rock show. It was a gathering of like-minded people who worship at the feet of Tobias Forge and his band of Nameless Ghouls.
Ghost – 2 Big To Rig
Words: Kenny Kendrick
It was a highly emotionally charged night, and something happened to me that has never happened at a show. I cried. When the band played the song He Is, tears started rolling down my face. The spectacle of the night got to me. I think the fact that my daughter was with me may have been a factor. Also, seeing everyone fully in the moment of the show was massively powerful.
The no phones policy implemented by Forge was a masterstroke. This, of course, meant that there was no footage anywhere (apart from some dodgy YouTube videos, naughty naughty) for anyone to see.
This led to another Ghost big-screen movie event. After the success of 2024’s Rite Here Rite Now, which was a combination of concert footage and skits following the lore of Ghost, with 2 Big To Rig, we get the full show with some backstage documentary footage thrown in.
Filmed over two sold-out nights in Mexico City in 2025, the wonderfully titled 2 Big To Rig gives us full access to the Skeletour experience. Shot on 16MM film, the movie looks incredible. I saw it in an IMAX cinema to immerse myself fully in the experience. The sound is earth-shaking; the visuals are breathtaking. You can see every shining rhinestone!
The set list is incredible. From opener Peacefield onwards, the band are on fire. For many, this will be the first time they get to see the latest incarnation of the Papa’s Papa Perpetua V in full flight.
I have to say, it is great to see Forge become more comfortable in his latest skin. He is on the record saying that he could not possibly do any more live shows in a full mask. The Perpetua mask still gives us enough mysticism while still giving us a glimpse of Forge himself for the first time.
Lachryma sounds unbelievably heavy. The guitars crunch and the cinema pulsates under the crushing rhythm. Spirit and Majesty (with Forge in full Papa regalia and somehow floating above the band) are a full-on double whammy.
The Nameless Ghouls are in fine form. The stage show itself is a thing to behold. Seeing it live was just mind-blowing. Seeing it here on a huge screen is just as impressive. The huge Grucifix lighting rig is incredible.
We get a different stage setting for each song. As some of the crew members explain in the backstage footage, everything is meticulously done, and there is no room for error.
There’s so much going on that I find myself looking from left to right to take in the full event. There is plenty of footage of the fans, who are some of the most dedicated fans in the world. They dress up, they know every single word of the songs and seeing them in ecstasy worshipping their heroes is a beautiful thing.
Ghost are a band with so many wonderful songs. I do wonder how the set list is chosen. Satanized now feels like part of the Ghost DNA, and it’s always a pleasure to hear Satan Prayer with Papa telling the crowd to “Clap, God damn you.”
Umbra from Skeleta is a joy to behold. We get split-screen footage of the answering guitar and keyboard gymnastics. As Forge tells us, “Oh Mexico, you’re about to hear Lord and Lady Ghoul make sweet sonic love…enjoy.”
The band are immense musicians. Guitarist Sodo is a world-class shredder, while keyboard player Cirrus would give Rick Wakeman a run for his money. Superb.
Year Zero looks and sounds astonishing. With the devilish red lighting and breathtaking backdrop, it really is wondrous. He Is begins, and I wonder if I will feel the same emotionally. By the time we get to the final throes of the song, the tears are back. It just knocks me sideways. It really is a spiritual experience. So powerful. The power of Ghost compels me.
Rats kicks in with that wonderful drum intro from drummer Mountain and the crowd goes nuts. The entire cinema is nodding along. The final riff is a belter. Forge comments, “There’s one thing we can do though…here on stage, we can tear all y’all a new asshole each.” Boom…
Fan favourite Kiss The Go-Goat sends the crowd wild, with Papa giving us some comedy, while bass player Rain goes around kissing the crowd. My favourite Ghost song is next up. Mummy Dust has everything I love about Ghost all wrapped up in a supremely heavy package. The people who argue that Ghost are not heavy obviously haven’t heard Mummy Dust.
A wonderful performance of the atmospheric Monstrance Clock is up next, with interspersed footage of Ghost fan couples being all mushy, and Forge reminds us that “This is a song about fucking, so sing it now.” Ha ha!
The sucker-punch encores of Mary On A Cross, Dance Macabre and Square Hammer remind us that Ghost truly have some of the best-written songs ever penned. The crowd reaction is off the charts, and I was fully immersed in the show. Absolutely amazing.
With 2 Big To Rig, Ghost have delivered a masterclass in arena rock. Go and see it in cinemas while you can. It’s truly an experience to savour.
2 BIG TO RIG was released in cinemas and IMAX® worldwide on 26 August 2026 for a limited time only. For updates on screenings, showtimes, and to sign up for further information, go to 2bigtorig.com.
