Here’s What You Need To Know For Your First Ghost Concert From A Seasoned Ghost Fan
This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Elizabeth Miller. Find them on Instagram at @Lizzy_7979. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Hey, ghesties! This summer the band Ghost has been touring Europe and the US. I got to go to my local ritual in late August, and it was amazing! If you’re going to your first Ghost concert, here are a few tips from picking out your Ghost concert outfit to must-have items. You’re going to have an awesome time!
What To Wear
One of the things I love most about Ghost is how theatrical they are. This means there are so many different types of outfits you could wear. You can always go with a classic all black outfit or a grungy outfit with your favorite Ghost tee. For this tour, the venues are more outdoor settings, so it will be very hot. Shorts, skirts, and dresses are the way to go. If you want a layered look without the extra heat, dickeys elevate your look with a collar you can just pop under your shirt. You can also turn your ghost shirt into a tank top, or if you’re really crafty, you can make a custom ghost shirt with some heat transfer vinyl and an iron. Wear comfy, close-toed shoes you will be able to walk and stand in for hours without killing your feet.
If you’re into cosplay, Ghost fans also dress up as their favorite papas, ghouls, or sisters of sin. Definitely use any makeup or face paint you are unlikely to sweat off. Just remember that it will be hot outside, and the venue will only get warmer as the excitement builds and everyone jumps, headbangs, and dances around. It is essentially a three-hour workout in 90-degree heat, so please remember your deodorant.
What To Bring With You
As a quick disclaimer: always check your venue’s FAQ page to see what you can and cannot bring inside with you. All venues will have different rules about tailgating, bag sizes and prohibited items.
For my concert, I drove to the venue for a couple of reasons: public transportation would have been harder to navigate than driving, parking was less expensive than taking an Uber or Lyft, and it was ultimately more convenient to be able to leave nonessentials in my car while inside.
The essentials I recommend bringing to any concert include a battery pack and charger for your phone, ear plugs, hand sanitizer, keys and wallet. I cannot stress how important earplugs are because hearing damage is serious, and you’ll want to be able to go to Ghost concerts in the future! Check out our earplug recommendations here. My venue allowed each person to bring in one sealed water bottle, so I took up that offer.
There were also some things I left in my car. I get eaten alive by bugs, so I brought bug spray to spray on before heading in. I got a case of water and filled a cooler with ice to keep in my trunk. Food is expensive inside, so I got a bunch of snacks to eat after the concert as well so I could be fueled and refreshed for my late drive home. Baby wipes, makeup remover and towels are great to have on hand after concerts as well if you are feeling like you’re dripping and want a quick clean-up before piling in if you go with a group.
Depending on your section, your venue may allow you to bring a chair or blanket to sit on in the lawn sections.
Etiquette
Here are a few things to keep in mind while at the concert. All of the Ghost fans I’ve met are really nice, and that is because they keep a standard of respect at concerts. These are some of the rules of etiquette they keep:
You may be going to see Ghost, but don’t forget the opener! Amon Amarth is opening for Ghost on this tour, so be courteous by familiarizing yourself with their songs. Show up with good energy and give them your love and appreciation.
In general, be mindful of your surroundings. Papa always gives a reminder during shows to look after shorter and weaker fans, as well as fans using mobility aids and wheelchairs. Keep an eye on your buddies and those around you. Everyone wants to have a good night!
When it comes to collecting confetti and Mummy Dust bills, don’t hoard. And if you pick any up from the floor, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands as soon as you can. My friends and I were inspired by the Swifties, and we made bracelets to trade at the concert. Some ghesties got really creative by trading stickers, custom guitar picks and prayer cards! Thank you to everyone I traded with!
Regardless if it is your first or hundredth Ghost or metal concert, I hope you have a great time!
What was your Ghost concert outfit? What do you think of our tips? Tell us in the comments below!