Ghost: Texas pastor protests against group coming to town

Ghost has had a busy past few weeks. Between sold out shows across the United States, a huge sold out arena in L.A. and more to come, they have had their hands full and they keep getting bigger and bigger.

Ghost seems to be a band that is liked by everyone…well, almost everyone. There is a pastor in Midland, TX who isn’t counting down the time until Ghost comes to town. In fact, he thinks that their visit is “not healthy for the community” and he’s not afraid to tell you why.

According to Blabbermouth, Larry Long, a pastor in Midland, Texas, had quite a bit to say about the decision to bring Ghost to town to radio host Craig Anderson at KWEL AM 1070 FM 107.1. He seems to be disturbed by the fact that the Wagner Noel Performing Art Center booked them for a show on November 19th. He had this to say:

"“We have a freedom of religion in America, which means a freedom of irreligion and anti-Christian faith, if that’s what people want to do…From that sense, yes, the band bothers me…And I think the community should be alarmed about it. This is not healthy for our community…The main band leader goes by the name of Tobias; whether or not that’s his real name, who knows? And then the rest of ’em go by ‘ghoulish horde’ or something like that…Do they understand? I think that they understand all of it. I think that they are doing this intentionally, and I think they really do worship the devil…”"

It would seem that Pastor Long is not a fan of the band nor is he a fan of their dark church and anti-pope theme. But it is always the choice of the theater or performance center to book bands that offer a range of genres for the community.

Ghost Photo by D.D. Crowley

Bringing in popular groups like Ghost can be a wonderful thing for the local economy. It also looks like the Pastor took the time to dig into the band and Tobias Forge’s history.

"“When they came to America and went to Nashville to cut their album, they couldn’t find anybody that would sing with them on their album, because the content of their music is so demonic. So, they had trouble finding people to sing. Here’s the funny thing: they couldn’t cut their album in Nashville, so they had to travel out to California to find people to be willing to sing the devil’s music.”"

He especially had issue with the song “Square Hammer” (their big arena single of their third album, Meliora), although he called it “Satan’s Hammer” and how it is opening up young people’s minds to the devil because kids just think it is like Halloween. Apparently Mr. Long hasn’t read up on how Ghost treats and honors their fans, especially fallen fans and fallen friends.

Maybe that would change his viewpoint a little bit, but I’m guessing probably not (anyone with an extremely religious family member can relate to that). Most times, all people look at is the surface of things and they don’t feel the need to dig deeper or see the community a band can create.

Some of the kindest people I have met have bonded over Ghost or similar bands. It is widely known from past interviews that the main purpose of the band’s theme and their music is purely and simply to make listeners happy and based on their growing fan base, I think they are doing just that.

For those of you that ARE fans of the band, Ghost frontman, Tobias Forge did an amazing interview with Larry McFeelie and John Holmberg at 98KUPD in Phoenix, AZ that could very well be his best to date.

You can listen to the entire interview below. He discusses the group’s beginnings, his children, advice for growing bands, his fear of dentists (me too, Tobias, me too) and his view on hipsters.

It is one of the most entertaining discussions that I have heard in a long time. If you’re new to the band, check out our list for noobs of the best 25 songs Ghost has ever done. Also if you love art, check out Rodrigo Pires who celebrates his love of the band in the form of comic book covers. Be sure to check out our experience during A Pale Tour Named Death.

Have you seen Ghost on tour? What do you think about the Pastor’s remarks?  Feel free to comment in the section below.