by Tobias Forge recently opened up about experiencing a panic attack during a live Ghost performance. He shared the details in an interview with Louder Sound.
The Ghost frontman described a specific incident that occurred shortly after the November 2015 Paris Bataclan shooting. Venue logistics triggered an unexpected anxiety response.
“It had never really happened to me before, but I was walking into the venue, and this is, this is very close to the [November 2015 Paris] Bataclan shooting,” Forge said. “We went into the venue, and it was raining outside, big surprise, absolutely pissing down. I was told there was only one entrance into the venue; you had to walk in on the right side of the stage, past the stage, and then into a backstage area.”
He explained how the feeling of being trapped escalated during the performance itself.
“So, essentially, you couldn’t get out. You were locked in. That was what I was told. And I didn’t think of it until during the show, when all of a sudden I was like, ‘I need to know where the door is…I can’t get to the door. Stop! Stop! Get the mask off!’ I had to get everything off. Restart the whole thing,” he continued.
Forge revealed that the situation was resolved once security showed him an alternative exit. He has since developed a coping strategy for future performances.
“We had to have a guard come and show me – lo and behold, there was another door. There was absolutely a way out. And then it became a thing [for future shows]: I need to know where the door out is. I need to know how I get out. As long as I know how to get out, we’re good,” he explained.
The musician emphasized that he has learned to manage the anxiety effectively.
“I haven’t had any problems with it. I know it works. I know how to deal with it. It’s definitely in the back of your head, that that can happen, but it’s just a panic attack. It’s nothing dangerous,” Forge concluded.
Forge’s experience reflects the broader impact the Bataclan tragedy had on the music industry and touring artists worldwide. The November 2015 attack occurred during an Eagles of Death Metal concert. It fundamentally changed how venues approach security and how performers perceive their safety on stage.
Loudwire reported that Ghost was actively touring North America during the fall of 2015. Their last American date was on November 1, 2015, at the Monster Mash Festival in Phoenix, Arizona. The timing of Forge’s panic attack suggests it occurred during subsequent European performances. The psychological aftermath of the Bataclan shooting was still fresh in the minds of touring musicians at that time.
The Bataclan shooting significantly heightened security concerns for venues and touring musicians worldwide. The aftermath resulted in increased cooperation between venues and authorities to share intelligence and enhance security protocols. This included more emphasis on crowd monitoring, evacuation plans, and communication with local law enforcement. These changes fundamentally transformed the touring landscape for artists.
The incident also led to increased vigilance and enhanced security measures across the industry. These included more stringent access controls and higher visibility of security personnel. Venues began requiring more intense bag checks and increased security personnel presence. This transformed the concert experience for both performers and audiences.
Forge’s candid discussion about his panic attack adds to the growing conversation about mental health challenges faced by touring musicians. While he maintains a somewhat private persona, his willingness to address the psychological pressures of performing and the importance of safety protocols demonstrates the lasting impact traumatic events can have on the entertainment industry.
