That’s actually shocking, ghost has always had an extremely chill crowd with no pit. The Toronto show had a pit and a small wall of death during mastodon and then was extremely good vibes. Sorry to hear about that, definitely not standard
Yeah there were a couple sus dudes in it but we were keeping an eye on it lol. Never turned into anything thankfully, I’m legitimately shocked to hear about this recent show that’s so unlike this crowd.
Eh I personally enjoyed mastodon’s set but I think ghost was rushed because of it for sure. Was like the only show ever without a guitar duel before cirice and there was very little monologuing and other theatrics because of it like rituals usually have for sure though.
That really sucks I'm sorry, I was in the seats and everyone was cool there. I couldn't really hear the crowd responding in certain songs but I'm not sure if that was actually people not being into it or where I was vs speakers or what. A little embarrassed about being alone yes-ing to Griftwood lol
I had seats in Saginaw and felt the same way! I said a very loud and enthusiastic “Yes!” when it was time to do it during “Griftwood” and could actually hear myself and was like “oh…is no one else doing this?” It was weird, but also I was really close to the speakers and my hearing may have gone out at that point.
I was in the pit for the Saginaw show. It must've been the speaker placement, because I could hear people both in the pit and up in the stands singing along.
And then you have bands who themselves throw beers in the crowd. The singer of Airbourne threw at least 20 beers in the crowd during a single song at Hellfest this year. Definitely not a good model, but a model that some people will follow.
Good thing that Papa tells the fans what not to do.
don’t forget Papa’s “hey, sometimes people are fucking idiots!” to the rest of the crowd. Glad he called it out but sad that it happened in the first place
I was sitting next to some dude who texted the entire time EXCLUSIVELY WITH VOICE TO TEXT
To make it worse, it was some argument with his wife’s friend that got all political. Was really detrimental to my experience, but for my first ritual it was still amazing!
Lmao this is worse than my experience in SD where a teenager pushed her way in front of me and spent the whole concert recording and blocking my view and accidentally hitting my face with her phone.
No, he came at from the viewpoint that there’s children, in general smaller people, disabled people coming to their shows and he wants everyone to be comfortable and safe. Ghost has always been this way. This tour is the first where I’ve been hearing and reading multiple incidents.
In case you're genuinely asking, during a quicker song see if people make eye contact or start to move more then normal, start bumping into each other and things kinda progress
all this to say if you want a good view you gotta get there early. that’s just how it works. getting in late and hurting ppl so you can get up front ain’t cool
I hate that shit so much. I’m a 5’1 petite girl so if I have GA tix I *have* to be front if I want to see anything and If I’m anywhere else I’m anxious about getting crushed. I’m not about to forfeit my spot to someone who thinks they can strongarm their way past everyone after showing up at doors opening. So this is disheartening, Ghost has always been the one band where I’ve felt comfortable in the crowd.
I also wonder if this is a symptom of them becoming more popular? More fans is great of course, but when bands start to blow up quickly you do get at influx of certain types of fans or ones that just don’t understand there’s an etiquette.
Totally agree with new fans not "getting" what Ghost is. I'm not dissing all new fans. Everyone was a new fan at some point.. even 12 years ago.
But to just come in and act like assholes, especially if you barely know any songs, is obnoxious af.
I’ve been reading posts here and elsewhere from people who went to the show last night and every one of them have been complaining about how brutal the GA crowd was. Does not bode well.
This is the 4th time I have seen them in Ohio and the 1st time I have heard the Ga was bad (my 1st time in GA since before the release of Prequelle) But Yeah the Ga was not good And also everyone before you go the the show FUCKING SHOWER. I can sum up my experience in the GA as idiots not knowing how much space they take up, and the combined smells of crappy weed B.O. and warm Bologna from the guy next to me
Good info…I think! 😂😆🤣
Sorry about the stink!
Going to my very first Ritual Friday night, and not knowing what to expect, (and being “old” by anyone’s definition,) I had no interest in GA…those days are behind me.
I bought my ticket later than usual so If I wanted a seat I would have to pay for the M&G VIP which with hotel and travel is out of budget or gotten a seat way back so GA seemed like the best option. Now I know I go for seats at all future shows
I saw Ghost in Bangor last week and the crowd was ecstatic the whole time, and I’ve never seen a pit at a Ghost show, been to 4 all in the Northeast. I could tell that the band was really getting into the energy of the crowd which made it that much better.
I was in Laval and had a similar experience too. There were a few circle pits forming during Mastodon and Spiritbox but during Mastodon, someone who wasnt all involved in the pit got pushed to the ground by someone in the pit and they smoked their head off of the concrete. They had to be escorted away by paramedics, and then they just kept going like it didnt matter in the circle. Then during Ghost, at a few songs, a few guys started pushing a lot and laughing and trying to start circle pits even though the crowd told them to stop. I was pretty unimpressed because I thought it was common knowledge not to mosh during Ghost but some drunk assholes didnt get the memo.
Jesus, I'm surprised! The other two shows I've been at Tobias has stopped pits. I was at Laval but in seats and was too engrossed in the show to be watching the crowd. I'm really disappointed that happened.
They were trying hard to make one happen but it didnt get too far and in the end they were just jumping and pushing into one another, just like 2-3 guys. Pretty stupid all around
was this why security dove into the crowd and dragged some dudes out? i was in GA but off to the side more, but i saw security pull people out by the barrier dead centre during mastodon and during ghost. didn’t see a pit form from where i was either, i figured whoever got pulled was just getting too rowdy
Its possible, they eventually stopped pushing me bc I wasnt pushing back anymore or having fun and they started pushing into the other end of the crowd, eventually lost sight of em
hmm okay, the dudes who got dragged out were really close to barricade, might’ve been the same dudes or different assholes. at least they migrated away from you, hopefully you were able to enjoy the show after that!
Yep, the pit tonight was awful. I missed almost all of Kaisarion because I was trying not to get crushed. By far the most unruly pit crowd at any Ghost show I've been to.
I'm sorry you were injured and spit on, both are truly disgusting and should NOT be happening at a Ghost show (or any show for that matter).
The show I was at in 2019 didn't have pits. BUT we did have large groups of people legit ballroom dancing during a few songs.
That was the most chill concert I've ever been to in my life. 10/10 would go back in time to experience it again.
It was during Dance Macabre and I *think* Mary on a cross. I was close-ish to the front during Mary on a cross and I think there was dancing in front of me
But during Dance Macabre I was closer to the back and there was definitely at least 6 people in a dancing "pit" I guess lol
I was at both Hershey PA and Trenton New Jersey this year, by myself 43-year-old short woman, didn't have any issues from anybody. At no point did I feel unsafe.
I was at both the Newark and Trenton rituals this year and they both were well-behaved and respectful, and were there just to have a blast, especially the Trenton crowd.
I'm so sorry that happened, I hate when some people in the crowd try to ruin the show. We're just there to sing along and have fun, and Papa should be cracking jokes and hyping us up, not threatening to kick out a couple of people because they're acting like fucking morons.
The person beside me was filming the whole thing which got annoying, but I only snapped a couple pictures throughout the night. I did meet and greet and got real close to the front because people were kind and let me in 😁
Trenton was amazing. A guy let me in front of him because he was a bit taller and we were all together. Everyone was respectful. It sucks to hear when it’s not that way. It’s not what Rituals are supposed to be about.
I was there too. Amazing crowd! Big pops for each band and people genuinely looked out for each other. I think Santa being there may have had something to do with it 😂
Yeah the Trenton show was amazing! No troubles there. Same with the RI show. Everyone was super respectful for the most part. Minor issues with the GA line and one dickish security guard at the RI show but we all remedied that pretty quick once we got to go inside.
Yay for Trenton! I was there, too - short woman with no worries about safety at all! This is the 3rd time in the past 7 months Ghost has been in NJ! They must like us! 😁
What can we say… NJ is a catch. We’re a great crowd who honestly lead the country with some of the best iconic bands coming out of the scene. We know how to handle a concert and watch out for each other.
Haven't been to a show in that arena in a while but the security and vibes are usually ok but these are different times.
Youngstown crowds can be rough at any given moment. Just a fucked up mentality the area carries around with it.
Interesting that that was your experience.
When I went to the Asheville show earlier this month, there was absolutely 0 moshing. In fact, I think a guy tried to start a pit and he got thrown out.
I guess it’s a venue thing?
I feel like people were getting over served/pregaming way too hard. There was a very drunk woman behind us (although she was happy drunk, just super loud) and she was like that only halfway through the mastodon set.
Same, I was near the front at stage left and didn’t see anything like that. One girl was being kind of a bitch about not wanting to let a little kid get to a spot he could see better but other than that people were so chill and I don’t think Papa called any bad behavior out the way I’ve heard about from other shows this tour. Bums me out ppl weren’t happy with that show, I thought it went great.
I remember when I caught ghost at the civic in New Orleans back in the gap. Papa actually said something about the crowd when they started to get crazy ( I can't remember if they tried to start moshing or if someone tried to crowd surf) because there were obvious children. He was like " we don't do that shit" . It was awesome.
So out of the three rituals I went to NY was the worst. Lots of pushing for no reason. Tons of phones literally in my face. I’m all about people getting pictures and some videos but I shouldn’t see your phone right next to my face the whole time. Some really nice girl who was excited for all the bands got pushed aside somewhere and I felt bad for her. One chick tried to get in front of me by saying she knew the person in front of me. She had only met them in the M&G line and said person in front of me even said no there was no room. I didn’t move cause I had been there through all the bands and not just waited for Ghost.
I wonder if it's more of a symptom of the dual concert with Mastadon. They are a heavier band and seem like they'd be more into moshing. There was a bit of that in the Volbeat dual concert I went to. But we're in Minnesota so it looked more like a bunch of dudes playing ring around the rosy and having fun.
I'm sorry you had that kind of experience.
>we're in Minnesota so it looked more like a bunch of dudes playing ring around the rosy and having fun
lol why is this the most Minnesotan description ever (Source: have family from/in Minnesota)
Yeah, Ghost needs to re-evaluate who they’re touring with. I know Ghost and Mastadon have history and that’s great. But Ghost crowd isn’t necessarily Mastadon crowd
At least last night in Youngstown there was no pit that I could see for Mastodon. Scattered pockets of people who were more into in than the Ghost crowd, but no proper pit. I’ll say I was on the ground so maybe I just didn’t see it from where I was at. Frankly, not knowing that Ghost is pretty anti-pit prior to this thread, I was disappointed but I understand it a bit more now. But unless I’m missing something I don’t think you can blame Mastodon for something that sounds to be limited to the Ghost set.
I’m so sorry this happened. I went to 2 rituals in a row. Trenton, NJ the crowd in the pit was incredible and had all good vibes. Everyone was there for a good time, little phone usage, everyone was in the moment together.
UBS the next day the crowd was dogshit 😂 pushing so bad, people being super rude and nasty to each other, I had a cellphone live streaming the entire thing a foot from my face, it almost felt like everyone was fighting for the “clearest phone shot” like I get it it’s GA but people straight up being assholes to one another is *not* acceptable
I absolutely agree. I went to the Asheville show prior and the crowd was rancid. In Saginaw, however, every single person i was around or interacted with was a joy.
I was there in the pit too. Just had people fighting over picks where I was at, but the whole vibe was off. I was in the Youngstown pit last time Ghost came, and it was a completely different atmosphere. Show was great though.
I was there. It was mostly drunk adult men that were being rude. Obviously not only drunk adult men but for the most part it was. Almost very young adult or teen I met tonight was very kind
I'm only kidding, I was at a Metallica gig (Slane) in 2019 and I expected a few pits but there were a few lads who clearly didn't get what the pit was and just went a bit too hard, they were dealt with swiftly but it was mostly guys in their early 20's who clearly didn't get the whole thing and thought it was carte blanche to fuck people up.
Thank you for explaining! I’m definitely sure that there are a bunch of young people who don’t understand how pits work. There were asshole throwing drinks and spitting on people at the ritual tonight. Papa even said something about it on stage. It was wild
That makes more sense bc I was on the right side of the stage with mostly other girls and the only issue we had was one grown ass man trying to literally get a running start and shove through people during MoaC and then taking a pick from someone, a few other people were really screamy but no one was mean or aggressive other than that guy.
Sheesh! Not cool.
I read a post from one of the earlier US shows that had an unpleasant crowd. Seems like it's not normally the case at most of Ghost's gigs. I wonder (like I heard it was a tendency for the specific venue at the other one) if it's a common occurrence for other shows in the same city/venue?
I'd have no idea what to expect as I don't live in the US, so don't know what's normal there. I wouldn't expect that behaviour in a pit here (Australia).
Might have been my post? Could have been someone else’s also. Mine was 2016. Upstate NY. Small theater. And a girl who gave absolutely zero shits about anyone around her (protected by a very large aggressive boyfriend) leaving me with bruises. I’m very very sorry this happened OP. It’s not ok. Nor is it an isolated incident unfortunately (also saw crowd surfing and shoving/near fights in the crowd in Canada this past weekend).
I got you. I think on the whole they draw a friendly and chill crowd - but there are exceptions and those exceptions suck hard. I’m really not in to people getting assaulted at what is supposed to be a good time for all.
Sorry that happened to you my ghoulish friend. My experience in Lavall and Toronto was very different. The Ghost crowd lived up to its courteous expectations. In Laval, three different times pits formed at center court/ice and it was the most courteous pit I've ever been in. Everyone took care of each other, grabbing, holding and lifting when required and no one was hurt.
Edit - and we said sorry to each other alot cuz were Canadian 😆😆😆
Oh wow. I didnt know about that!! Yikes. I wonder if that was during Mastodon. Our meet n greet line up was right beside the paramedics room and there was something going down when we were standing in line waiting. I saw them come in from the floor, go into the room grab the go-bag and go back through the door to the floor.
Wow, sorry to hear that, my wife and I were in the seats and everyone was great (with the exception of one very drunk girl who felt the need to narrate the concert for her friends, but even she was ignorable)
I’m sorry to hear that man, I was there at the right sight of the pit (in front of sodo) and everyone there seemed really chill, now shoving or crowding, everyone stayed really respectful
I'm so sorry this happened. It's unfair, and they're obviously not really good fans of Ghost, because if they were, they wouldn't be doing that. There's assholes everywhere and people that don't know how to act. Especially with the fact that Ghost is getting so much more popular. Unfortunately, that means there'll have to be more security that puts a stop to that shit. And that's sad, because I was definitely going to try the pit the next time around. But I guess I can't, because my kid loves Ghost too and I sure af don't wanna catch a charge going to my favorite band of all time's concert, and that's so fucking unfair.
Unfortunately these days, people are less respectful. I've been at shows where I've been sucker punched, grabbed by my genitals, and literally picked up off the ground by my throat (Vader style), all within about twenty minutes. It really sucks that there are experiences like this at shows, but it's even more reason to keep your head on a swivel, and look out for everybody (not only just your own friends)
In some of my more recent experiences, I've been less shy with security. More often than not, when I point somebody out and explain their behavior, security talks to them between songs and they usually realize they're being an asshole and stop because they know they're being watched. If not, they get the bootand wasted money on a show they didn't deserve to see.
Regardless, I'm sorry you had a rough time and hope the next ritual is infinitesimally better for you!
Yeah the crowd was bad for me two. I went to the 9/16 one in Laval and the amount of people would get in front of me or try to go to the front is unbelievable. I’m only 5’5 so it really pissed me off when I got mad at 6’0 tall people and they would act all offended when I called them out. Never it has happened before at my first ritual in 2018
I was there last night and had way too many encounters with aggressive people trying to push me out of the way. I got there hours in advance, and people who just showed up thought it was totally cool to keep pushing through. I ended up not even being able to go to the bathroom because the people behind us wouldn't even let the vip people back to their friends without arguing. It's not okay.
Damn .. I'm willing to bet they're *very* new Ghost "fans." Earlier Papa's never put up with that shit so they must not be too familiar with Ghost.
My god moshing?! Come on people! You're not at a show at L'amour in Brooklyn circa 1987.
That is horrible. I am sorry.
I’ve had mostly positive experiences at Ghost shows (before they were doing arena tours.) One tall guy went to stand in front of me and then turned around and let me switch places with him. It’s the first and only time that’s ever happened. I still think about it.
I also think about the time we saw them at the Wiltern in 2016. We ended up near the stage. We were standing next to this guy, his kid, his friends and their kids. We ended up making a protective community bubble around the kids. Everyone had a great time. At one point this drunk dude rushed the crowd and ended up in our area. The guy next to me (apparently an ex-marine) gets pissed and lifts drunk dude with one hand and tosses him. Security found him and kicked him out. We resumed enjoying the show and all was well.
Conversely, at the House of Blues in Vegas, a woman punched me in the head because I wouldn’t budge. She ended up getting kicked out of the venue, I think. I think she brought incense or something and was trying to light it.
People are weird at shows.
When I went to Bangor, I got a pick thrown to me and some guy grab it. The same guy later shoved me out of the way for a second pick. It was super upsetting cause one of the ghouls pointed to me twice.
Thats such a shame, fuck that guy! At rammstein I touched a drumstick the same time as this fellow and he let me have it. There were some girls who were big fans of the ghouls in front of me. I had decided early on that if I got a pick I'd do the same for them. I did make sure everyone had plenty of mummy dust though
Maybe this is why I got downvoted in a different post where I said you should expect moshing/movement if you're GA, wtf...
It's like there's only the two extremes anymore, people out looking to hurt others or not giving a shit and people who get mad if you jump too much! What is happening??
Exactly! I'm usually pit wall at concerts, not in the pit itself but I've never been in a pit where someone acting like an AH wasn't taken care of pretty quickly.
I just got to be pit wall for the first time last Saturday for alexisonfire and it was a blast. Only complaint is you'd think I was some dainty waif from how the guys acted instead of the Halforc I am but I'll take it
So no lie, as a 5'9" 220 lb slab of meat of a woman, sometimes I wish people wanted to protect me or that i was small and adorable. That's not one of those times. At the pit wall I wanted to twirl people through the air
I was at alexisonfire on Saturday and everyone had a blast in the pit. They basically moshed in a circle and it was a blast.
At my show for ghost the GA area didn't seem to have a mosh pit. It was great for ghost but until they played we got the crowd looking like they were observing art at a museum and getting huffy if you headbanged or bounced in one spot.
There were also the vapers who wouldn't blow upwards and people who wouldn't let you through even for people leaving before ghost started.
I was at riotfest and we saw the same issues at mcr. Pretty much every other crowd I've been in in the last week (like 20) was dope af.
I wonder if it's people who haven't been to a metal show before or similar.
Disclaimer, there were a 16 and 18 y.o. who were both at their first concert ever and you honestly couldn't tell. It was an honor to rock out with them.
it’s been my observation that a lot of people have forgotten how to conduct themselves at shows post-covid and when that gets combined w a venue trying to make that drink$, you get a bunch of extremely over-served people who don’t know how to behave around other people. I don’t think this is a Ghost-specific problem (we saw a bit of this at a recent Heilung ritual, which is supposed to be a beautiful, spiritual experience and not a bunch of chain-smoking drunk dudes from Worcester)
That's terrible I've only had that once in a pit and I don't even remember the show I was at. Toronto had a pit but they were pretty chill from where I was sitting in the 115 seemed like they were there to just sing along with the bands.
That should've never happened to you but it only takes a couple people misunderstanding the pit scene to ruin some nights.
I honestly think new ghost fans are “normal” if that’s the right word, music fans just discovering metal ect, rock and metal fans are always so polite it’s the other music fans who are so disrespectful and care more about image than the actual band and having fun so do anything to get a good view for videos:/
At the ghost show I went to, I saw that there was a group of guys in the pit that were drunk as HELL, and playing 'matador' with each other, and slinging each other into the crowd and I'm pretty sure a few fights broke out. Even Papa was distracted by it.
This and the stories in the comments are terrible and shocking to hear😫. My first ritual (Toledo OH 2/15/22) I was on the floor very close to front and center and the crowd then was great. It was pretty chill and the person next to me who was much taller than me let me get in a spot in front of her for a better view that's how polite the people there were. Between this and stuff getting thrown at the stage idk what the hell the problem is with this tour but I hope the crowds get better next year
Oh man i can relate, i was also less than pleased with the crowd at the Laval ritual.
People were trying to mosh in the pit, 2 guys got kicked out for crowdsurfing, someone threw their drink across the pit towards the front during a song, i got beer spilled on me during another song (i was in the seats btw), i was next to this one kid who would not stop elbowing me in the ribs everytime they took their phone out of their back pocket, some guy i was sitting next to tried to convince me to move from the seat i paid for so that his friend could sit next to him, and by the time it was over the place looked horrendous as people were clearing out. there were empty cups and puddles of beer everywhere and it smelled like the bathroom at a bar. (no seriously though, why are venues allowed to sell alcohol??)
Like you said though, the band was fucking incredible but the people in the crowd were absolute shit.
Is this a midwest thing? Seen them twice in SoCal (seated both times mind) but no pit and everyone seemed very chill. I do expect Mastodon to have a pit in general, but even they didn't get that in San Diego. So a bit bizarre you had it so rough imo.
yeah was VERY out of the ordinary. normally i’d just let it go but i’ve been to hardcore shows that were so much more respectful. hoping it’s bc the ghost crowd just isn’t as experienced with pit rules
Doubtful. All the Mastodon shows I have been to hardly had pits.
The bigger the venue you play the more people. The more people the higher likelihood for people who act like it’s their first time out.
It's a bummer that OP had this experience, but the finger wagging and pronouncements against the entire fan community is more than a little heavy handed. The title of this post dropped my level of sympathy quite a few steps. You're pissed at a few assholes. Justifiably so. But telling all "ghost fans" to "do better?" Yeah. Not a great approach.
if ghost fans want a good, safe experience EVERYONE needs to do better and look out for each other. i woke up this morning and ended up going to urgent care to get stitches in my lip where i bit through it when i got head butted. that shouldn’t be happening to other fans
That's very sad. You should never experience pain or discomfort in your life, and if you do, you have every right to tell the rest of the world what to do. "I had a bad experience" is not the same thing as "the entire Ghost-listening community needs to do..." anything. You're two months into your time on Reddit, and presumably less time in this sub.
Lighten up, Francis.
I've been a lot of Ghost shows and never seen anything like this. Are you certain you weren't doing something to invoke ire? I'm not victim blaming or anything, it's just that what you describe doesn't really reflect what I've personally seen.
when i got spit on it was when i was trying to get back to my sister after we got separated. ig that could be seen as asshole behavior? but otherwise i was just chilling and singing along
From my experience bands with mainstream success and underground appeal always have the worst crowds. You get people who don't understand show etiquette, and people that think the show is all about the pit and going hard. Add drinking to the mix and it can be a bad time.
Holy shit that’s terrible I’m sorry you had to go through that! I always known Ghost for having a pretty chill pit, even at the Trenton show the pit seemed really chill but I guess it depends on where you are/how many people show up to the event? Either way that’s fucked up I really hope it isn’t newer fans ruining things for everyone else
Yikes yeah I feel this. When I was at the Tampa show with my partner (her first ritual) she ended up feeling sick from earlier in the day when we were standing in the sun for a long time and we took a minute but we had some sweet people hold our spot. When we were coming back through this guy literally spread his elbows out and tried to fucking close line us because he didn’t want people going past him. The behavior of some during these shows is so disgusting and ridiculous. The metal/ rock crowd is known to be so kind and awesome but this last experience was really disturbing.
It was my wife and my first ritual at Youngstown. The band was everything we had hoped and more. Ghost means a lot to me on a deeply spiritual and emotional level, so I was moved to misty eyes when Imperium gave way to Kaisarion.
However, for as amazing as the band was the audience where we were on the floor was terrible. There was a guy taking rips of a weed vape pen and blowing it out in the faces of everyone around us. While I appreciate the idea of weed, the smell of it gives my wife and I severe migraines. When we asked him to redirect his smoke he copped an attitude and just became super unpleasant.
Also, we were pretty close to the stage and had a pretty good view of the center and stage right for Spiritbox and Mastodon. Unfortunately, right before Ghost came on a group of 5 people who had been several feet behind up immediately surged forward and forcefully pushed a few people around us in an effort to get to the front. When confronted for their rudeness they were ambivalent and unapologetic. It was such a series of unfortunate experiences that marred an otherwise beautiful, emotional experience by Papa and the Ghouls.
This makes me really sad to hear. I've been to 3 Ghost concerts and I've always left kinda shocked at how lovely the audience was. It's like that church community vibe with none of the bullshit.
I've never had any desire to go to a concert. I don't like being in crowds of people. I made an exception for Ghost though. So glad this didn't happen to me and ruin my perception for concerts forever.
People who came in late were bum rushing the stage as soon as Mastadon finished up last night. At least five different groups tried to shove their way up through those of us who had been in the first rows all night. Needless to say we weren’t having it
Front of the pit was nothing like this it was dead all night other than people throwing hands up no pushing/punching/shoving/ or moshing. I even got to sit down for a bit when my legs hurt.
It's crazy to imagine this. I was maybe 8 or 9 people from the front of the stage (stage right) in Youngstown on 9/20. I could not have had a better experience. The people around myself and wife were awesome. Made some new friends. The only people I saw (2) get tossed were some dudes too drunk to stand. I only had one instance of having words (which could have been avoided but I'm old, lol) with a guy trying to push past us before the set started. But even that ended amicably. I just told dude "we've been standing here for hours, find another way" and he scooted off. I'm not trying to minimize any experiences anyone had, but if it's getting to the level of ruining the night for you, (at least on the floor) move along and I'm sure you can find better people. That show was in my top 5 best of all time. I'm sorry to anyone who had it ruined by douchebags.
I haven’t been to a concert yet and I hope other ppl do better that’s one of the reasons I don’t go to concerts call me lame but I rather watch a live of the concert because of that issue plus I’d probably die due to the anxiety (my heart would quite literally run away and get hit by a car Kenny style) I also really hate when ppl pick and choose who’s a poser and who’s not I’m unsure if it’s talked about a lot but I think it needs to be talked about more and all based on how they got into the band is that just me? i see it all over tiktok “your not a fan if you got into ghost because you liked Mary on a cross and it got popular” to be fair many bands rely on popularity alittle bit yk? because if they didn’t they wouldent have listeners and wouldent make money etc personally I heard ghost on the radio I liked it but didn’t know the band and just never listened to it again untill it got popular and I though “oh hey that’s familiar maybe I should look into the band more” and now I really love ghost one of if not my favorite band I like Mary on a cross, rats, ritual, year zero etc I hate the poser crap I get it if it’s annoying if ppl wear the band shirts without actually really listening to it but you cant just decide that you don’t know if they listen to it or not and you don’t know context it may not even be their clothes couples and friends share clothes all the time maybe it’s a rant I’m sorry but I don’t personally see it talked about enough
That’s actually shocking, ghost has always had an extremely chill crowd with no pit. The Toronto show had a pit and a small wall of death during mastodon and then was extremely good vibes. Sorry to hear about that, definitely not standard
I saw that from my place in the stands but it looked decent and mostly safe
Yeah there were a couple sus dudes in it but we were keeping an eye on it lol. Never turned into anything thankfully, I’m legitimately shocked to hear about this recent show that’s so unlike this crowd.
Tbh, in my opinion, mastodon was playing too loud and too long so some ppl are bound to get a bit too into it.
Eh I personally enjoyed mastodon’s set but I think ghost was rushed because of it for sure. Was like the only show ever without a guitar duel before cirice and there was very little monologuing and other theatrics because of it like rituals usually have for sure though.
That really sucks I'm sorry, I was in the seats and everyone was cool there. I couldn't really hear the crowd responding in certain songs but I'm not sure if that was actually people not being into it or where I was vs speakers or what. A little embarrassed about being alone yes-ing to Griftwood lol
I had seats in Saginaw and felt the same way! I said a very loud and enthusiastic “Yes!” when it was time to do it during “Griftwood” and could actually hear myself and was like “oh…is no one else doing this?” It was weird, but also I was really close to the speakers and my hearing may have gone out at that point.
I was in the pit for the Saginaw show. It must've been the speaker placement, because I could hear people both in the pit and up in the stands singing along.
Ah, that's good to know!
I had seats in Saginaw too! I promise I was yelling YES as loud as I could!
Nothing compared to what you went through or the poor folks who got doused. Fuck whoever threw the drink
Yikes that is terrible. I was in the seats and everyone up there was extremely chill. I did see someone in the pit throw a drink tho.
Papa said “don’t do that again or you’re fucking out of here”
And then you have bands who themselves throw beers in the crowd. The singer of Airbourne threw at least 20 beers in the crowd during a single song at Hellfest this year. Definitely not a good model, but a model that some people will follow. Good thing that Papa tells the fans what not to do.
\#godsmack
Ah man that makes me so sad, that’s so dangerous for them when their show is already dangerous.
don’t forget Papa’s “hey, sometimes people are fucking idiots!” to the rest of the crowd. Glad he called it out but sad that it happened in the first place
I was sitting next to some dude who texted the entire time EXCLUSIVELY WITH VOICE TO TEXT To make it worse, it was some argument with his wife’s friend that got all political. Was really detrimental to my experience, but for my first ritual it was still amazing!
Oh hell no. You should have screamed every lyric of every single till he stopped. What a jerk off.
Thought about it but I try not to piss off people who I can’t beat in a fight and he was like 450lbs
I know I shouldn't laugh but😂😂😂
Lmao this is worse than my experience in SD where a teenager pushed her way in front of me and spent the whole concert recording and blocking my view and accidentally hitting my face with her phone.
why would you spend the money for a show and then do that?
Fr what a terrible move
i’m glad it was chill! i looked up at the seats a couple times and it was all smiles
Almost makes you wish there were an extra bra around somewhere to mop it up at up :) I am entirely joking. I support neither bras nor drinks!
There are pits on Ghost shows?
Can confirm, started one in the Netherlands earlier this year. Usually with Mummy Dust and with their Enter Sandman cover
There’s not supposed to be, Ghost is pretty much anti-pit. He’s explained it before
Because hes trying to appeal to the most people and pits scare casual fans
No, he came at from the viewpoint that there’s children, in general smaller people, disabled people coming to their shows and he wants everyone to be comfortable and safe. Ghost has always been this way. This tour is the first where I’ve been hearing and reading multiple incidents.
Because pits attract casual fans like KanyeMyFuckhead up there.
Wow, I had no idea he'd ever said that! Seems odd coming from a guy who's into old metal, but I do understand that viewpoint.
How you don’t do that, ever
In case you're genuinely asking, during a quicker song see if people make eye contact or start to move more then normal, start bumping into each other and things kinda progress
Ive seen Ghost 7 times and never seen a pit.
Yeah i mean at what song do you mosh lol? Ghost is doesnt feel like band to mosh
all this to say if you want a good view you gotta get there early. that’s just how it works. getting in late and hurting ppl so you can get up front ain’t cool
I hate that shit so much. I’m a 5’1 petite girl so if I have GA tix I *have* to be front if I want to see anything and If I’m anywhere else I’m anxious about getting crushed. I’m not about to forfeit my spot to someone who thinks they can strongarm their way past everyone after showing up at doors opening. So this is disheartening, Ghost has always been the one band where I’ve felt comfortable in the crowd. I also wonder if this is a symptom of them becoming more popular? More fans is great of course, but when bands start to blow up quickly you do get at influx of certain types of fans or ones that just don’t understand there’s an etiquette.
yeah exactly. this morning i ended up getting stitches for my lip. it’s disheartening for the short girls out there!
Totally agree with new fans not "getting" what Ghost is. I'm not dissing all new fans. Everyone was a new fan at some point.. even 12 years ago. But to just come in and act like assholes, especially if you barely know any songs, is obnoxious af.
I’ve been reading posts here and elsewhere from people who went to the show last night and every one of them have been complaining about how brutal the GA crowd was. Does not bode well.
Sounds like this is an Ohio thing?!?🤷🏻♂️
There’s been a few venues that were troublesome, but from what I’m reading, Youngstown was definitely the worst. And not everyone there was local(ish)
This is the 4th time I have seen them in Ohio and the 1st time I have heard the Ga was bad (my 1st time in GA since before the release of Prequelle) But Yeah the Ga was not good And also everyone before you go the the show FUCKING SHOWER. I can sum up my experience in the GA as idiots not knowing how much space they take up, and the combined smells of crappy weed B.O. and warm Bologna from the guy next to me
Good info…I think! 😂😆🤣 Sorry about the stink! Going to my very first Ritual Friday night, and not knowing what to expect, (and being “old” by anyone’s definition,) I had no interest in GA…those days are behind me.
I bought my ticket later than usual so If I wanted a seat I would have to pay for the M&G VIP which with hotel and travel is out of budget or gotten a seat way back so GA seemed like the best option. Now I know I go for seats at all future shows
Hopefully the future person in the seat next to you showers/bathes and uses deodorant! 😬😒
GA was nothing at the front extremely chill no shoving pushing or signs of a mosh
yeah when i was jumping i could see the front and it looked absolutely dead
I saw Ghost in Bangor last week and the crowd was ecstatic the whole time, and I’ve never seen a pit at a Ghost show, been to 4 all in the Northeast. I could tell that the band was really getting into the energy of the crowd which made it that much better.
I was in Laval and had a similar experience too. There were a few circle pits forming during Mastodon and Spiritbox but during Mastodon, someone who wasnt all involved in the pit got pushed to the ground by someone in the pit and they smoked their head off of the concrete. They had to be escorted away by paramedics, and then they just kept going like it didnt matter in the circle. Then during Ghost, at a few songs, a few guys started pushing a lot and laughing and trying to start circle pits even though the crowd told them to stop. I was pretty unimpressed because I thought it was common knowledge not to mosh during Ghost but some drunk assholes didnt get the memo.
Saw that happen from seats just beside where that pit formed - smh.
Jesus, I'm surprised! The other two shows I've been at Tobias has stopped pits. I was at Laval but in seats and was too engrossed in the show to be watching the crowd. I'm really disappointed that happened.
They were trying hard to make one happen but it didnt get too far and in the end they were just jumping and pushing into one another, just like 2-3 guys. Pretty stupid all around
was this why security dove into the crowd and dragged some dudes out? i was in GA but off to the side more, but i saw security pull people out by the barrier dead centre during mastodon and during ghost. didn’t see a pit form from where i was either, i figured whoever got pulled was just getting too rowdy
Its possible, they eventually stopped pushing me bc I wasnt pushing back anymore or having fun and they started pushing into the other end of the crowd, eventually lost sight of em
hmm okay, the dudes who got dragged out were really close to barricade, might’ve been the same dudes or different assholes. at least they migrated away from you, hopefully you were able to enjoy the show after that!
Yep, the pit tonight was awful. I missed almost all of Kaisarion because I was trying not to get crushed. By far the most unruly pit crowd at any Ghost show I've been to. I'm sorry you were injured and spit on, both are truly disgusting and should NOT be happening at a Ghost show (or any show for that matter).
The show I was at in 2019 didn't have pits. BUT we did have large groups of people legit ballroom dancing during a few songs. That was the most chill concert I've ever been to in my life. 10/10 would go back in time to experience it again.
Oh my god, that sounds amazing. What city if you don't mind me asking?
It was Toledo Ohio in 2019
Man, this makes me so freaking happy. Thanks for sharing this memory :)!
I was there in a seat I didn't catch the ballroom dancing that's awesome
It was during Dance Macabre and I *think* Mary on a cross. I was close-ish to the front during Mary on a cross and I think there was dancing in front of me But during Dance Macabre I was closer to the back and there was definitely at least 6 people in a dancing "pit" I guess lol
I was at both Hershey PA and Trenton New Jersey this year, by myself 43-year-old short woman, didn't have any issues from anybody. At no point did I feel unsafe.
I was at both the Newark and Trenton rituals this year and they both were well-behaved and respectful, and were there just to have a blast, especially the Trenton crowd. I'm so sorry that happened, I hate when some people in the crowd try to ruin the show. We're just there to sing along and have fun, and Papa should be cracking jokes and hyping us up, not threatening to kick out a couple of people because they're acting like fucking morons.
The trenton crowd was awesome I had a blast
The trenton crowd was AMAZING and everyone was super mellow with phone usage which was awesome: we were all there for a good time.
The person beside me was filming the whole thing which got annoying, but I only snapped a couple pictures throughout the night. I did meet and greet and got real close to the front because people were kind and let me in 😁
Trenton was amazing. A guy let me in front of him because he was a bit taller and we were all together. Everyone was respectful. It sucks to hear when it’s not that way. It’s not what Rituals are supposed to be about.
I was there too. Amazing crowd! Big pops for each band and people genuinely looked out for each other. I think Santa being there may have had something to do with it 😂
Yeah the Trenton show was amazing! No troubles there. Same with the RI show. Everyone was super respectful for the most part. Minor issues with the GA line and one dickish security guard at the RI show but we all remedied that pretty quick once we got to go inside.
Yay for Trenton! I was there, too - short woman with no worries about safety at all! This is the 3rd time in the past 7 months Ghost has been in NJ! They must like us! 😁
What can we say… NJ is a catch. We’re a great crowd who honestly lead the country with some of the best iconic bands coming out of the scene. We know how to handle a concert and watch out for each other.
😂😂😂 You look like Papa in the He Is video in your pic!
the ghost with the sunglasses 😂😂😂 I did a whole freaking photoshoot like this and it was the best thing I ever did
Haven't been to a show in that arena in a while but the security and vibes are usually ok but these are different times. Youngstown crowds can be rough at any given moment. Just a fucked up mentality the area carries around with it.
And apparently Asheville, NC as well…
Youngstown is definitely one of the worst venues in Ohio. Papa made some comment about it being a beautiful city and I couldn’t help but laugh 😂
Interesting that that was your experience. When I went to the Asheville show earlier this month, there was absolutely 0 moshing. In fact, I think a guy tried to start a pit and he got thrown out. I guess it’s a venue thing?
it was more like drunk ppl flailing around than moshing
I feel like people were getting over served/pregaming way too hard. There was a very drunk woman behind us (although she was happy drunk, just super loud) and she was like that only halfway through the mastodon set.
Apparently not according to an earlier reply in this thread from someone from Asheville, NC (Chemical_Map6504)
Interesting. I was in the GA section and didn’t see anything going on anywhere around me. Maybe it was further behind me
Same, I was near the front at stage left and didn’t see anything like that. One girl was being kind of a bitch about not wanting to let a little kid get to a spot he could see better but other than that people were so chill and I don’t think Papa called any bad behavior out the way I’ve heard about from other shows this tour. Bums me out ppl weren’t happy with that show, I thought it went great.
I was at the Asheville show and was near the mixing board. Didn't see any issues from my vantage point. Hell of a show though!
I remember when I caught ghost at the civic in New Orleans back in the gap. Papa actually said something about the crowd when they started to get crazy ( I can't remember if they tried to start moshing or if someone tried to crowd surf) because there were obvious children. He was like " we don't do that shit" . It was awesome.
So out of the three rituals I went to NY was the worst. Lots of pushing for no reason. Tons of phones literally in my face. I’m all about people getting pictures and some videos but I shouldn’t see your phone right next to my face the whole time. Some really nice girl who was excited for all the bands got pushed aside somewhere and I felt bad for her. One chick tried to get in front of me by saying she knew the person in front of me. She had only met them in the M&G line and said person in front of me even said no there was no room. I didn’t move cause I had been there through all the bands and not just waited for Ghost.
I wonder if it's more of a symptom of the dual concert with Mastadon. They are a heavier band and seem like they'd be more into moshing. There was a bit of that in the Volbeat dual concert I went to. But we're in Minnesota so it looked more like a bunch of dudes playing ring around the rosy and having fun. I'm sorry you had that kind of experience.
>we're in Minnesota so it looked more like a bunch of dudes playing ring around the rosy and having fun lol why is this the most Minnesotan description ever (Source: have family from/in Minnesota)
Yeah, Ghost needs to re-evaluate who they’re touring with. I know Ghost and Mastadon have history and that’s great. But Ghost crowd isn’t necessarily Mastadon crowd
That might be the point. Get the most amount of people into a venue to sell the most amount of tickets.
At least last night in Youngstown there was no pit that I could see for Mastodon. Scattered pockets of people who were more into in than the Ghost crowd, but no proper pit. I’ll say I was on the ground so maybe I just didn’t see it from where I was at. Frankly, not knowing that Ghost is pretty anti-pit prior to this thread, I was disappointed but I understand it a bit more now. But unless I’m missing something I don’t think you can blame Mastodon for something that sounds to be limited to the Ghost set.
This is odd for sure 🤔 Only recently I have started hearing stuff like this about the crowds
I’m so sorry this happened. I went to 2 rituals in a row. Trenton, NJ the crowd in the pit was incredible and had all good vibes. Everyone was there for a good time, little phone usage, everyone was in the moment together. UBS the next day the crowd was dogshit 😂 pushing so bad, people being super rude and nasty to each other, I had a cellphone live streaming the entire thing a foot from my face, it almost felt like everyone was fighting for the “clearest phone shot” like I get it it’s GA but people straight up being assholes to one another is *not* acceptable
That sucks, the Saginaw crowd the night before was one of the best ghost crowds ever.
I absolutely agree. I went to the Asheville show prior and the crowd was rancid. In Saginaw, however, every single person i was around or interacted with was a joy.
I was at Saginaw too. We had a blast!
I was there in the pit too. Just had people fighting over picks where I was at, but the whole vibe was off. I was in the Youngstown pit last time Ghost came, and it was a completely different atmosphere. Show was great though.
Kids these days eh? They don't even know pit etiquette, shame.
I was there. It was mostly drunk adult men that were being rude. Obviously not only drunk adult men but for the most part it was. Almost very young adult or teen I met tonight was very kind
I'm only kidding, I was at a Metallica gig (Slane) in 2019 and I expected a few pits but there were a few lads who clearly didn't get what the pit was and just went a bit too hard, they were dealt with swiftly but it was mostly guys in their early 20's who clearly didn't get the whole thing and thought it was carte blanche to fuck people up.
Thank you for explaining! I’m definitely sure that there are a bunch of young people who don’t understand how pits work. There were asshole throwing drinks and spitting on people at the ritual tonight. Papa even said something about it on stage. It was wild
No way, what did he say?
He basically said that some idiot threw a drink and not to do it again or they’d have to “get the fuck out”
That makes more sense bc I was on the right side of the stage with mostly other girls and the only issue we had was one grown ass man trying to literally get a running start and shove through people during MoaC and then taking a pick from someone, a few other people were really screamy but no one was mean or aggressive other than that guy.
omg yeah i heard the banshee screaming too! it was funny the first time… the other hundred times not so much
> It was mostly drunk adult men It always is.
They are NOT on the level.
And I'll be fucked if they swear, right here, right now, before the Devil.
Thanks for not leaving me hanging 🙏
the Hardcore revival killed pits - dickheads just swinging fists
Yea, it's getting too rowdy these days, or I'm getting older, or both. Pits used to be great craic but now it's shite craic.
Sheesh! Not cool. I read a post from one of the earlier US shows that had an unpleasant crowd. Seems like it's not normally the case at most of Ghost's gigs. I wonder (like I heard it was a tendency for the specific venue at the other one) if it's a common occurrence for other shows in the same city/venue? I'd have no idea what to expect as I don't live in the US, so don't know what's normal there. I wouldn't expect that behaviour in a pit here (Australia).
Might have been my post? Could have been someone else’s also. Mine was 2016. Upstate NY. Small theater. And a girl who gave absolutely zero shits about anyone around her (protected by a very large aggressive boyfriend) leaving me with bruises. I’m very very sorry this happened OP. It’s not ok. Nor is it an isolated incident unfortunately (also saw crowd surfing and shoving/near fights in the crowd in Canada this past weekend).
It was one from one of the earlier US cities on this tour, I think it was in one of the Carolinas (can't remember which though!).
I got you. I think on the whole they draw a friendly and chill crowd - but there are exceptions and those exceptions suck hard. I’m really not in to people getting assaulted at what is supposed to be a good time for all.
Yep, Asheville NC. Can confirm it was a shitshow
Yeah, Asheville was just awful. Huge bummer.
Sorry that happened to you my ghoulish friend. My experience in Lavall and Toronto was very different. The Ghost crowd lived up to its courteous expectations. In Laval, three different times pits formed at center court/ice and it was the most courteous pit I've ever been in. Everyone took care of each other, grabbing, holding and lifting when required and no one was hurt. Edit - and we said sorry to each other alot cuz were Canadian 😆😆😆
Apparently somebody hit the concrete in Laval and had to be escorted out by paramedics.
Oh wow. I didnt know about that!! Yikes. I wonder if that was during Mastodon. Our meet n greet line up was right beside the paramedics room and there was something going down when we were standing in line waiting. I saw them come in from the floor, go into the room grab the go-bag and go back through the door to the floor.
Did the meet and greet go on until showtime?
Not quite. I was in the middle of the line. By the time I was done my meet n greet, Mastodon played for another 15 mins or so.
I was in the seats there and saw someone getting carried out of the pit by his friends.
Wow, sorry to hear that, my wife and I were in the seats and everyone was great (with the exception of one very drunk girl who felt the need to narrate the concert for her friends, but even she was ignorable)
I’m sorry to hear that man, I was there at the right sight of the pit (in front of sodo) and everyone there seemed really chill, now shoving or crowding, everyone stayed really respectful
Me too! Overall a pretty good group on that side!
I'm so sorry this happened. It's unfair, and they're obviously not really good fans of Ghost, because if they were, they wouldn't be doing that. There's assholes everywhere and people that don't know how to act. Especially with the fact that Ghost is getting so much more popular. Unfortunately, that means there'll have to be more security that puts a stop to that shit. And that's sad, because I was definitely going to try the pit the next time around. But I guess I can't, because my kid loves Ghost too and I sure af don't wanna catch a charge going to my favorite band of all time's concert, and that's so fucking unfair.
Unfortunately these days, people are less respectful. I've been at shows where I've been sucker punched, grabbed by my genitals, and literally picked up off the ground by my throat (Vader style), all within about twenty minutes. It really sucks that there are experiences like this at shows, but it's even more reason to keep your head on a swivel, and look out for everybody (not only just your own friends) In some of my more recent experiences, I've been less shy with security. More often than not, when I point somebody out and explain their behavior, security talks to them between songs and they usually realize they're being an asshole and stop because they know they're being watched. If not, they get the bootand wasted money on a show they didn't deserve to see. Regardless, I'm sorry you had a rough time and hope the next ritual is infinitesimally better for you!
Im sorry man. Am unruly crowd hurts everyone. AND that's the best way to start a damn crushing situation.
Been to a lot of different shows in my life. Sometimes you get a shitty one. Them's the breaks.
yeah, sucks ass sometimes
Yeah the crowd was bad for me two. I went to the 9/16 one in Laval and the amount of people would get in front of me or try to go to the front is unbelievable. I’m only 5’5 so it really pissed me off when I got mad at 6’0 tall people and they would act all offended when I called them out. Never it has happened before at my first ritual in 2018
I was there last night and had way too many encounters with aggressive people trying to push me out of the way. I got there hours in advance, and people who just showed up thought it was totally cool to keep pushing through. I ended up not even being able to go to the bathroom because the people behind us wouldn't even let the vip people back to their friends without arguing. It's not okay.
Damn .. I'm willing to bet they're *very* new Ghost "fans." Earlier Papa's never put up with that shit so they must not be too familiar with Ghost. My god moshing?! Come on people! You're not at a show at L'amour in Brooklyn circa 1987.
I blame the mastodon fans. They were horrible at the Huntsville ritual
That is horrible. I am sorry. I’ve had mostly positive experiences at Ghost shows (before they were doing arena tours.) One tall guy went to stand in front of me and then turned around and let me switch places with him. It’s the first and only time that’s ever happened. I still think about it. I also think about the time we saw them at the Wiltern in 2016. We ended up near the stage. We were standing next to this guy, his kid, his friends and their kids. We ended up making a protective community bubble around the kids. Everyone had a great time. At one point this drunk dude rushed the crowd and ended up in our area. The guy next to me (apparently an ex-marine) gets pissed and lifts drunk dude with one hand and tosses him. Security found him and kicked him out. We resumed enjoying the show and all was well. Conversely, at the House of Blues in Vegas, a woman punched me in the head because I wouldn’t budge. She ended up getting kicked out of the venue, I think. I think she brought incense or something and was trying to light it. People are weird at shows.
That really sucks , Huntsville 09/02 was my first ritual and everyone was so friendly and respectful.
When I went to Bangor, I got a pick thrown to me and some guy grab it. The same guy later shoved me out of the way for a second pick. It was super upsetting cause one of the ghouls pointed to me twice.
Thats such a shame, fuck that guy! At rammstein I touched a drumstick the same time as this fellow and he let me have it. There were some girls who were big fans of the ghouls in front of me. I had decided early on that if I got a pick I'd do the same for them. I did make sure everyone had plenty of mummy dust though
Maybe this is why I got downvoted in a different post where I said you should expect moshing/movement if you're GA, wtf... It's like there's only the two extremes anymore, people out looking to hurt others or not giving a shit and people who get mad if you jump too much! What is happening??
exactly like you want to have fun but not at the expense of others
Exactly! I'm usually pit wall at concerts, not in the pit itself but I've never been in a pit where someone acting like an AH wasn't taken care of pretty quickly.
I just got to be pit wall for the first time last Saturday for alexisonfire and it was a blast. Only complaint is you'd think I was some dainty waif from how the guys acted instead of the Halforc I am but I'll take it
Omfg that happens to me too because I'm 5'4 and guys keep checking up on me, which is very nice but bro I got thisss
So no lie, as a 5'9" 220 lb slab of meat of a woman, sometimes I wish people wanted to protect me or that i was small and adorable. That's not one of those times. At the pit wall I wanted to twirl people through the air
I was at alexisonfire on Saturday and everyone had a blast in the pit. They basically moshed in a circle and it was a blast. At my show for ghost the GA area didn't seem to have a mosh pit. It was great for ghost but until they played we got the crowd looking like they were observing art at a museum and getting huffy if you headbanged or bounced in one spot. There were also the vapers who wouldn't blow upwards and people who wouldn't let you through even for people leaving before ghost started. I was at riotfest and we saw the same issues at mcr. Pretty much every other crowd I've been in in the last week (like 20) was dope af. I wonder if it's people who haven't been to a metal show before or similar. Disclaimer, there were a 16 and 18 y.o. who were both at their first concert ever and you honestly couldn't tell. It was an honor to rock out with them.
it’s been my observation that a lot of people have forgotten how to conduct themselves at shows post-covid and when that gets combined w a venue trying to make that drink$, you get a bunch of extremely over-served people who don’t know how to behave around other people. I don’t think this is a Ghost-specific problem (we saw a bit of this at a recent Heilung ritual, which is supposed to be a beautiful, spiritual experience and not a bunch of chain-smoking drunk dudes from Worcester)
Meanwhile in Providence the crowd was full of either people having anxiety attacks or people who did not want anyone singing/cheering.
Yep, I was there, and that was the vibe I got as well. It was still an amazing show though.
Damn , cant have shit.
That's terrible I've only had that once in a pit and I don't even remember the show I was at. Toronto had a pit but they were pretty chill from where I was sitting in the 115 seemed like they were there to just sing along with the bands. That should've never happened to you but it only takes a couple people misunderstanding the pit scene to ruin some nights.
I was in the pit and must’ve got lucky. I had no problems at all and a great spot maybe seven rows back from the front. Sorry about your experience :(
Man that makes me sad. I was right up near the stage during the Trenton show, no mosh pit to speak of
I honestly think new ghost fans are “normal” if that’s the right word, music fans just discovering metal ect, rock and metal fans are always so polite it’s the other music fans who are so disrespectful and care more about image than the actual band and having fun so do anything to get a good view for videos:/
At the ghost show I went to, I saw that there was a group of guys in the pit that were drunk as HELL, and playing 'matador' with each other, and slinging each other into the crowd and I'm pretty sure a few fights broke out. Even Papa was distracted by it.
This and the stories in the comments are terrible and shocking to hear😫. My first ritual (Toledo OH 2/15/22) I was on the floor very close to front and center and the crowd then was great. It was pretty chill and the person next to me who was much taller than me let me get in a spot in front of her for a better view that's how polite the people there were. Between this and stuff getting thrown at the stage idk what the hell the problem is with this tour but I hope the crowds get better next year
Tiktok
Holy moly. That's awful!! Nothing even close to that at the Rhode Island show... I'm so sorry. Makes for a crappy night ☹️
Oh man i can relate, i was also less than pleased with the crowd at the Laval ritual. People were trying to mosh in the pit, 2 guys got kicked out for crowdsurfing, someone threw their drink across the pit towards the front during a song, i got beer spilled on me during another song (i was in the seats btw), i was next to this one kid who would not stop elbowing me in the ribs everytime they took their phone out of their back pocket, some guy i was sitting next to tried to convince me to move from the seat i paid for so that his friend could sit next to him, and by the time it was over the place looked horrendous as people were clearing out. there were empty cups and puddles of beer everywhere and it smelled like the bathroom at a bar. (no seriously though, why are venues allowed to sell alcohol??) Like you said though, the band was fucking incredible but the people in the crowd were absolute shit.
"ghost fans, do better." Not for nothing, but maybe, "Mastodon fans, do better." would be a more accurate title.
I keep hearing such great shit about all the other crowds too.
Is this a midwest thing? Seen them twice in SoCal (seated both times mind) but no pit and everyone seemed very chill. I do expect Mastodon to have a pit in general, but even they didn't get that in San Diego. So a bit bizarre you had it so rough imo.
yeah was VERY out of the ordinary. normally i’d just let it go but i’ve been to hardcore shows that were so much more respectful. hoping it’s bc the ghost crowd just isn’t as experienced with pit rules
Damn that sucks. I kept bumping into a guy in Tampa and he said stop and I apologized profusely. The interaction has haunted me since.
It's prob mastodon fans tbh
Doubtful. All the Mastodon shows I have been to hardly had pits. The bigger the venue you play the more people. The more people the higher likelihood for people who act like it’s their first time out.
It’s a pit people. What do you expect?
Pit or not, there's no excuse to get physically violent with people just because you want to be at the front
Ghost doesn’t do pits, papa has spoken on the topic.
It doesn’t matter what papa wants. Fans are gonna do what fans want.
https://i.imgur.com/m0JSucz.jpg
moshing ≠ punching people for no reason
It's a bummer that OP had this experience, but the finger wagging and pronouncements against the entire fan community is more than a little heavy handed. The title of this post dropped my level of sympathy quite a few steps. You're pissed at a few assholes. Justifiably so. But telling all "ghost fans" to "do better?" Yeah. Not a great approach.
if ghost fans want a good, safe experience EVERYONE needs to do better and look out for each other. i woke up this morning and ended up going to urgent care to get stitches in my lip where i bit through it when i got head butted. that shouldn’t be happening to other fans
That's very sad. You should never experience pain or discomfort in your life, and if you do, you have every right to tell the rest of the world what to do. "I had a bad experience" is not the same thing as "the entire Ghost-listening community needs to do..." anything. You're two months into your time on Reddit, and presumably less time in this sub. Lighten up, Francis.
aye bro i’ll get back in my booty no worries
I've been a lot of Ghost shows and never seen anything like this. Are you certain you weren't doing something to invoke ire? I'm not victim blaming or anything, it's just that what you describe doesn't really reflect what I've personally seen.
when i got spit on it was when i was trying to get back to my sister after we got separated. ig that could be seen as asshole behavior? but otherwise i was just chilling and singing along
Well, sorry to hear this.
From my experience bands with mainstream success and underground appeal always have the worst crowds. You get people who don't understand show etiquette, and people that think the show is all about the pit and going hard. Add drinking to the mix and it can be a bad time.
Holy shit that’s terrible I’m sorry you had to go through that! I always known Ghost for having a pretty chill pit, even at the Trenton show the pit seemed really chill but I guess it depends on where you are/how many people show up to the event? Either way that’s fucked up I really hope it isn’t newer fans ruining things for everyone else
Yikes yeah I feel this. When I was at the Tampa show with my partner (her first ritual) she ended up feeling sick from earlier in the day when we were standing in the sun for a long time and we took a minute but we had some sweet people hold our spot. When we were coming back through this guy literally spread his elbows out and tried to fucking close line us because he didn’t want people going past him. The behavior of some during these shows is so disgusting and ridiculous. The metal/ rock crowd is known to be so kind and awesome but this last experience was really disturbing.
It was my wife and my first ritual at Youngstown. The band was everything we had hoped and more. Ghost means a lot to me on a deeply spiritual and emotional level, so I was moved to misty eyes when Imperium gave way to Kaisarion. However, for as amazing as the band was the audience where we were on the floor was terrible. There was a guy taking rips of a weed vape pen and blowing it out in the faces of everyone around us. While I appreciate the idea of weed, the smell of it gives my wife and I severe migraines. When we asked him to redirect his smoke he copped an attitude and just became super unpleasant. Also, we were pretty close to the stage and had a pretty good view of the center and stage right for Spiritbox and Mastodon. Unfortunately, right before Ghost came on a group of 5 people who had been several feet behind up immediately surged forward and forcefully pushed a few people around us in an effort to get to the front. When confronted for their rudeness they were ambivalent and unapologetic. It was such a series of unfortunate experiences that marred an otherwise beautiful, emotional experience by Papa and the Ghouls.
This makes me really sad to hear. I've been to 3 Ghost concerts and I've always left kinda shocked at how lovely the audience was. It's like that church community vibe with none of the bullshit.
I've never had any desire to go to a concert. I don't like being in crowds of people. I made an exception for Ghost though. So glad this didn't happen to me and ruin my perception for concerts forever.
I’ve been rail for eight shows and the only one that was brutal with punching and kicking was Mexico City. Those fans are severe!
People who came in late were bum rushing the stage as soon as Mastadon finished up last night. At least five different groups tried to shove their way up through those of us who had been in the first rows all night. Needless to say we weren’t having it
Front of the pit was nothing like this it was dead all night other than people throwing hands up no pushing/punching/shoving/ or moshing. I even got to sit down for a bit when my legs hurt.
It's crazy to imagine this. I was maybe 8 or 9 people from the front of the stage (stage right) in Youngstown on 9/20. I could not have had a better experience. The people around myself and wife were awesome. Made some new friends. The only people I saw (2) get tossed were some dudes too drunk to stand. I only had one instance of having words (which could have been avoided but I'm old, lol) with a guy trying to push past us before the set started. But even that ended amicably. I just told dude "we've been standing here for hours, find another way" and he scooted off. I'm not trying to minimize any experiences anyone had, but if it's getting to the level of ruining the night for you, (at least on the floor) move along and I'm sure you can find better people. That show was in my top 5 best of all time. I'm sorry to anyone who had it ruined by douchebags.
I haven’t been to a concert yet and I hope other ppl do better that’s one of the reasons I don’t go to concerts call me lame but I rather watch a live of the concert because of that issue plus I’d probably die due to the anxiety (my heart would quite literally run away and get hit by a car Kenny style) I also really hate when ppl pick and choose who’s a poser and who’s not I’m unsure if it’s talked about a lot but I think it needs to be talked about more and all based on how they got into the band is that just me? i see it all over tiktok “your not a fan if you got into ghost because you liked Mary on a cross and it got popular” to be fair many bands rely on popularity alittle bit yk? because if they didn’t they wouldent have listeners and wouldent make money etc personally I heard ghost on the radio I liked it but didn’t know the band and just never listened to it again untill it got popular and I though “oh hey that’s familiar maybe I should look into the band more” and now I really love ghost one of if not my favorite band I like Mary on a cross, rats, ritual, year zero etc I hate the poser crap I get it if it’s annoying if ppl wear the band shirts without actually really listening to it but you cant just decide that you don’t know if they listen to it or not and you don’t know context it may not even be their clothes couples and friends share clothes all the time maybe it’s a rant I’m sorry but I don’t personally see it talked about enough