Ghost, the Swedish band that mixes pop with Satanic metal, has been shaking up the rock world since they first appeared in 2010. Now, twelve years later, they’re bigger than ever, drawing in new fans with their wild, blasphemous music and unforgettable performances.
In 2022, Ghost performed their hit song “Mary On A Cross” live in Tampa, Florida. That video alone has been watched over 72 million times! Despite their dark, horror-inspired style and their fans dressing up as gothic nuns or corpse-painted metalheads, this concert turned into one of the most heartwarming moments in heavy metal history.
As Ghost sang the famous lyrics, “You go down just like Holy Mary / Mary on a cross / If you choose to run away with me / I will tickle you internally / And I see nothing wrong with that,” the camera captured something truly special—the incredible mix of people in the crowd. There were old-school rock fans, teenagers, and everyone in between, all brought together by the music in an unexpectedly emotional moment.
This video proves that rock music still has a powerful hold on people, no matter what the music charts say. Fans rushed to the YouTube comments to share their excitement. One person wrote, “I was in the pit, and they got so close it felt like a dream! The crowd was so in sync, it blew my mind.” Another said, “This concert changed my life.” And someone else described it best: “It looks like what it is… a religious experience.”
“Mary On A Cross” originally came out on Ghost’s 2019 EP, Seven Inches Of Satanic Panic. With their shocking themes and over-the-top performances, you’d think Ghost would have struggled to find mainstream success. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Over the years, they’ve released five full-length albums and built a reputation for their theatrical concerts, where the band members play mysterious, nameless ghouls, all led by their Satanic pope-like frontman.
Their music has become a massive sensation online, racking up millions of views across music videos, live performances, and fan-uploaded lyric clips. “Mary On A Cross” even became a viral hit on TikTok, where a slowed-down, reverb-heavy version introduced the band to a whole new audience of alternative music lovers.
Exciting news for fans—Ghost’s frontman, Tobias Forge, recently told Metal Injection that the band is working on their sixth studio album. But before that drops, Ghost will be heading out on a massive world tour in 2025, with 56 concerts already planned. If you want to experience a legendary show like the one in Tampa, this might be your chance!
Ghost continues to push the limits of rock music with their unique blend of pop and heavy metal. Their viral live performance of “Mary On A Cross” shows just how much their music brings people together, creating unforgettable moments for fans across the world. If you want to dive deeper into Ghost’s eerie yet electrifying world, check out the links below!
