On September 17, 2022, Ghost returned to Toronto as part of their Imperatour – North America run, stopping at a sold-out Coca-Cola Coliseum. Long before doors opened, the line to get inside stretched farther than anything I’ve seen at the venue, packed with fans dressed head-to-toe in black, makeup, and elaborate cosplay. From the start, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a typical rock show.
A Ritual on Stage
Ghost concerts feel less like concerts and more like ceremonies. The band’s presentation is built around ritual, imagery, and shared experience, and Toronto was no exception. Leading the night was Papa Emeritus IV, whose presence and stage command carried the entire performance. Through costume changes that ranged from tailored suits to full papal robes, Papa guided the crowd through the band’s dark theatrical world with ease.
Behind him stood the Nameless Ghouls, masked and anonymous, dressed in updated uniforms that reflected the themes of Impera. Their look leaned into militaristic and industrial influences, complete with glowing red eyes that added an eerie edge to the stage setup.
Sound and Performance
The Coca-Cola Coliseum isn’t known as the best-sounding room, but Ghost pushed through with a tight and confident performance. Papa Emeritus IV sounded strong throughout the set, while the expanded lineup — including backing vocalists — gave the live sound more depth than on previous tours.
The show opened with “Imperium” leading into “Kaisarion,” setting the tone early. Six songs from Impera were performed, including “Spillways,” “Call Me Little Sunshine,” and “Watcher in the Sky,” all of which translated well in a live setting.
The rest of the set leaned heavily on fan favorites. Tracks like “Cirice,” “Ritual,” “Year Zero,” and “Mummy Dust” drew some of the loudest reactions of the night. One surprise was the limited representation from Infestissumam, with only “Year Zero” making the cut, leaving out staples that had appeared on previous tours.
The Crowd
The Toronto crowd was fully engaged from start to finish. Nearly every song was met with loud sing-alongs, and the energy in the building never dipped. The visual commitment from fans — makeup, costumes, and themed outfits — added another layer to the night and reinforced how deeply connected Ghost’s audience is to the band.
Conclusion
Ghost’s stop in Toronto delivered exactly what fans came for: a focused, theatrical performance backed by a strong setlist and an audience that was all in. While the venue itself had its limitations, the band was in top form and left no doubt that they’ve continued to grow since their last appearance in the area.
For many in attendance, this show will stand out as one of those nights that sticks with you — a reminder of why Ghost has become one of the most distinctive live acts in modern rock.
The Setlist is down below and don’t forget to leave a comment 🙂
Connect with Ghost : Website || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
