Ghost Kicks off Re-Imperatour in France Following New EP

Last night at Zénith de Rouen marked the first night of Ghost’s Re-Imperatour. With the release of Ghost’s new EP, Phantomime, and Tobias’s recent interviews teasing “changes'' in the near future, fans were eager to see what was in store for them.

Many speculated “Respite on the Spitalfields” would be added to the setlist, as it’s a fan favorite that closes out Impera, Ghost’s most recent full-length album, and includes the same riff as “Imperium,” which opens both the album and the band’s typical setlist. Fans were elated to find that the song did indeed make its live debut in France, along with Ghost's new cover of Genesis’s “Jesus He Knows Me.” 2019's "Kiss The Go-Goat" has returned to the setlist, following this year's repress of Seven Inches of Satanic Panic. See the full setlist below:


1. Imperium
2. Kaisarion
3. Rats
4. Faith
5. Spillways
6. Cirice
7. Hunter's Moon
8. Jesus He Knows Me
9. Ritual
10. Call Me Little Sunshine
11. Con Clavi Con Dio
12. Watcher in the Sky
13. Year Zero
14. Spöksonat
15. He Is
16. Miasma
17. Mary on a Cross
18. Mummy Dust
19. Respite on the Spitalfields

Encore:
20. Kiss the Go-Goat
21. Dance Macabre
22. Square Hammer


Amongst the new setlist, fans were curious to see Papa’s new outfits. During Pre-Imperatour and Imperatour, Papa donned many costumes throughout the show, but one of the most memorable was his custom Sir Tom Baker jacket, completely covered in teal sequins, leather cuff detail, and a sneaky little patch on the inside reading “F**K YOU.” This time around, the iconic jacket has returned in the original teal and is joined by a second jacket in a vibrant red shade that has fans buzzing. 

Additionally, fans noted that two of the Nameless Ghouls appear to have been swapped out with new, unidentified touring members. It is speculated that the original individuals may have scheduling conflicts as they both are active and successful artists in their own right. Only time will tell if the changes are temporary or permanent.

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Another riveting and unexpected detail about this tour has been the return of “Plushia.” In a 2019 interview with 519 Magazine, Tobias stated his team proposed the idea of a plushie to add to their collection of merch. After approving various sketches and mock-ups, Tobias was initially horrified at the end product, asking, “What the flying f**k is that?” The comical look of the toy has resulted in high demand for an online restock and fans making memes of the Cardinal Copia plushie, aka “Plushia.” See the reference photo and Plushia below: