by Swedish metal band Ghost has announced their 2026 “Skeletour” tour dates. The announcement sparked criticism from international fans who feel excluded from what the band calls a “global rock phenomenon,” as reported in a post shared on Instagram.
The band shared the tour announcement in a video with an elaborate caption describing the upcoming spectacle.
“We wish to inform you that as demand grows ever larger for this most surreal of rituals, so too does one’s opportunity to experience it firsthand,” Ghost wrote. “In 2026 have your world shook by the most incredible rock spectacle ever known, The Skeletour!”
The band continued with details about ticket sales and their vision for the tour.
“Pre-Sales begin today, Sept 29, and the general on-sale launches October 3,” they added. “Don’t miss your chance to experience this global rock phenomenon when The Skeletour hits a town near you in 2026!”
However, the 20-date tour exclusively covers cities in the United States and Canada. The tour runs from January 21 through February 23, 2026. The tour includes stops in Orlando, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Charlotte, Montreal, Toronto, Columbus, Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Los Angeles, among other North American cities.
International fans quickly expressed their disappointment in the comments. Many pointed out the irony of calling it a “world tour” while only visiting North America.
The announcement comes as Ghost continues to build momentum following their recent musical evolution and touring success across North America.
The Skeletour will support the band’s 2025 album Skeletá. This marks a creative shift for the Swedish metal act. Louder Sound reported that Tobias Forge described the album as more introspective compared to their previous politically charged work. He explained he wanted to focus on “basic core feelings” such as hope, sorrow, regret, hate, and love in this latest release.
The tour will conclude at a notable venue. Tickets West confirmed that the final show will take place at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on February 23, 2026. This state-of-the-art venue opened in 2024. It represents one of the most modern concert facilities in the United States.
Ghost’s focus on North American markets reflects the band’s strong commercial performance in the region. They have consistently sold out arenas and amphitheaters there. The decision to concentrate on these markets disappoints international fans. However, it aligns with industry trends where artists often prioritize territories with the highest ticket sales and venue availability.
The band’s touring strategy has evolved significantly since their early days. Ghost now commands major venue bookings across North America. Their ability to fill large-capacity venues demonstrates their growth from underground metal act to mainstream rock phenomenon. This success has yet to translate into expanded international touring schedules that would satisfy their global fanbase.
