Ghost - Mary on a Cross (pianist reacts to metalhead friend’s suggestion)

[@sreneethomas]

They are absolutely amazing live. One of the best shows I’ve seen.

[@gauds18]

Yep I went to their show in Arizona by far the best concert I’ve ever been too. The production, the music, and the characters are amazing.

[@shadowskrieg]

That's true \,,\

[@babyeater350]

Absolutely

[@SourAce]

And their live crowd fans with costumes is a sight for the sour eyes 👀👀👀

[@Trolldom471]

agreed 👍

[@shuturfacegrandma7465]

11:36- Tobias Forge has played all 4 papa characters. While they all look slightly different and have different names, the true main singer (forge) has never changed- the band just has a lot of lore (though you obviously don’t need to know any of it to enjoy the music)

[@thomasharris4942]

If you are old enough to recall the "Satanic Panic" of the 80s (and I am), you love this band for their badass irony. Had they existed back then, the super religious types would've lost their shit!

[@user-gb1if9or7n]

My minister caught me listening to them yesterday. I surprisingly didn't get yelled at. He said they're great performers and even said he would use the music as a teaching aid

[@sihiri_kabari]

⁠@@user-gb1if9or7nis religion that big of a thing over there?

[@iansimmons735]

According to the lore, this came out in 1969 and was sung by Papa Nihil in Ghost's first incarnation... before Ghost sunk without trace. Of course, it came out in 2019..! Ghost weren't formed till 2006-2008. Just part of the crazy backstory that is Ghost.

[@Recklessghost]

NEXT GHOST SONGS- Cirice(they won a grammy for it) RATS, Spillways, monstrance clock, Griftwood, and DANCE MACABRE!! Also, ya gotta let Judson see some of these music videos haha 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@ShounenN]

Don't forget Life Eternal..one of their most beautiful songs ever!

[@projectmaker8832]

Stay ft.Patrick Wilson from Insidious The Red Door Movie Credits Song

[@CraigGSY]

and Respite on the Spitalfields!

[@fru_utillas]

6:38 without knowing he just cracked Tobias' usual joke after singing this song on stage LMFAOOOO

[@JenniferSWalker]

They are freaking amazing live!! I took my son to a ritual last month (that's what they call their concerts), thinking I would enjoy watching him enjoy it while I wore earplugs and waited for it to end. I never put the earplugs in, and I left a confirmed fan-- my musical tastes have been classical and Broadway my entire life, and now at the advanced age of 49 I've become obsessed with this incredible band-- the brainchild of a charismatic and very talented autistic Swede! ❤❤

[@nikifaith]

I liked their music in passing, then took my daughter to a ritual. Instant favorite, and I quite enjoyed Amon Amarth.

[@Ellie_xo]

That was me! I went last year as a casual fan only knowing a couple of songs from my sister but I left absolutely in love and obsessed and devoured all their albums they're easily one of my favourite bands now and they are spectacular live!

[@Recklessghost]

6:37 judson actually NAILED it! This song is tongue in cheek (like pretty much all of Ghost's work) they're taking the controversial "mary on a cross" lyric and making it sound like Marijuana cross, which is what the song is about, it's about smoking weed and also receiving oral sex. The song is about his love of weed, "you go down just like holy mary" is the tongue in cheek line about oral sex "not just another bloody mary" as in the alcoholic beverage, but in this case he's saying, this "as in weed" is something much more special than just your average alcoholic beverage, this is special. And the "tickle you internally" part, is a double entendre, implying the oral sex ticking her throat, but also the sensation of weed tickling you internally and making you giggly. GHOST and Boston are my all time favorite bands, and this is my favorite song from Ghost, so thank you for reacting to it 🙌🏻🙌🏻 love this channel 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻 EDIT- Also "Mary on a cross" is a play on words for Marijuana cross, as in a cross joint lol

[@alanwaine4186]

It's double entendre, since it's French

[@GeekFurious]

Tobias has said it is 100% NOT about oral sex. READ THE LYRICS. It's about a band trying to make it and failing.

[@Vermiliontea]

All Ghost lyrics have at least two concurrent meanings, often more. It's just how Tobias is mapped in the brain.

[@tomdemongod]

There is also the deeper lore meaning of the song and it being a reflection of papa Nihil and sister imperator’s relationship and it reflecting nihils feelings for sister

[@sreneethomas]

Wow….this is all…a lot! I just enjoy the song

[@Swaggycat_yt]

I would love to hear Judson do a piano cover of that song. Do it!

[@hollycammy7114]

You guys are hilarious together. You would enjoy more Ghost songs. So many great songs to choose from... Call Me Little Sunshine is a good next choice.

[@fenstars]

This!

[@GeekFurious]

9 million fans can't seem to grasp the marijuana cross joke but you got it right away.

[@Hatchett_]

Tobias plays each Papa Emeritus (including Cardnial Copia on their album 'Prequelle'). But, Judson calling out that the song was from the 80's right off the bat was sorta right. In the lore of Ghost, they've been a band for a long time and each 'Papa' is the father of the next one, going back to Papa Nihil. Nihil was the singer back in the 80's (which they weren't a band, of course) and Nihil wanted to re-release some of their old music on an EP for Record Store Day. So, Seven Inches of Satanic Panic was released and it's 80's themed to fit the idea of what Ghost, the band, would have sounded like back in that time frame. Really genius idea behind it all. I'm excited to see Judson's reactions to more of their stuff from 'this' decade.

[@99proff]

Actually, this EP is supposed to be a re-release from 1969, when the original Papa Nihil would have had his first hits.

[@Hatchett_]

@@99proff Even older! I loosely know the details, but, saw no one else had mentioned them & I think it's such a cool concept that I had to bring it up.

[@99proff]

@@Hatchett_ You were very close! It is indeed a great concept that allows for Tobias Forge to do virtually anything he wishes within the band. Actually, he had the riff to Kiss the Go-goat, the song that accompanies Mary on a Cross on the EP, lying around and came up with this back story so that he could fit the retro feel of the song into the catalog. Just another minor correction: alll other Papas are suposedly Nihil's sons. It's kind of complicated and silly at the same time, but as an almost Ghost graduate I had to point it out. :)

[@HOSTAGExHIRSCH]

I don’t have a clue how this video showed up in my feed but I’m so glad I clicked and watched! Excellent video! Really interesting to see Jutson react to one of my favorite bands! Never knew I needed to hear Mary on A Cross in full on a piano till now! Very pretty!

[@HOSTAGExHIRSCH]

It’d be cool to see him react to just pictures of Papa himself,& it’d be a great video to see him react to Year Zero from the album Infestissumam

[@henrikvidin]

Thank you for a great reaction to this good song by Ghost. As to remember, Ghost is not one sound or type of music, they span over a lot of genres and they have evolved in their sound and appearance. Tobias Forge is the founder of Ghost and has been the singer from the start. Papa Emeritus has evolved during the years and every one of the Papas (I-IV and also Cardinal Copia) are own personalitys. I can recommend you to listen to He Is, Cirice, Kaisarion and Dance Macabre to hear the varieties in their sound. The music is always well written.

[@Chamomileable]

I don't hate Ghost but a friend described them as "evil Scooby Doo music" and I've never been able to forget that.

[@gearsofpizza2]

You should change your friends

[@stoney999]

@@gearsofpizza2that’s a good description fym

[@LukeWatts85]

Great ..I'm never gonna not hear "we were scanning the city, rockin' to Beetlejuice" now 😂

[@Greatmeasures]

😂 You’re welcome

[@lillzico77]

Great! Do more of Ghost amazing songs. Next I would do "He is" or/and "Square Hammer". 😀👍🏼

[@brandoncoomer7867]

Tobias is the only true member of the band. The ghouls are all hired to play live but Tobias writes and records everything himself. They have an amazing live show. Circe, and mummy dust are my future recommendations. Along with a piano covers channel!!

[@shugghead8538]

Tobias doesn't actually record much of the instruments. He brings in basic demos and has the guys take it up a notch, as per their expertise.

[@Tracy-rf7ri]

Others help write the songs, too.

[@brandoncoomer7867]

My bad, could've swore I heard an early interview where he said this. Even if I'm not correct on that, Tobias IS ghost

[@Tracy-rf7ri]

@@brandoncoomer7867 true, he is ghost. He wrote a lot of the earlier records but has other writers along with himself these days.

[@heartwork8318]

It did remind me of the 80’s! It is one of those tunes you can’t get out of your head 😂 thanks y’all! ✌🏻🫶🏻

[@EmeritusIV616]

60's

[@lanimorris2462]

I loved watching Judson itching to get to the piano. Also loved watching him working it out after hearing it ONCE.

[@agentwrench]

"that's really pretty>:/.... >:)" 😂 the begrudging smile and acknowledgement

[@Metaldude321]

Ghost is amazing live! Seen them twice so far. I think you’ll really enjoy the song “Cirice”.

[@Dyll87]

Well done, boys! .. a great music video reaction for Judson would be 'Square Hammer' its a killer song that helped Ghost reach broader audiences back in 2016. Great work and looking forward to future uploads 🤘🔥

[@chuckthefreak]

Got the marijuana reference right away

[@helli0n824]

go to the live version from Tampa, asap ... studio is ok, live is a banger !

[@bulletnutz6382]

”He is” thats the song you want to listen and react to next on your Ghost adventure! Great vid by the way🙏

[@ancientmoros]

I love that he got the marijuana reference right away.

[@andersgranstrom7128]

I have to comment on the musicality of the pianist, awesome gift given to be able to hear and then just play like this! Hat´s off to you, sir! You need to listen to "Cirice" also... Would love to see the reaction on that! Or "Squarehammer". Ghost - I´m just sold on them, amazing creativity, fantastic melodies!! All done with a lot of humor... Love it all!😍

[@cindylarreau9143]

He Is or Cirice should be the next Ghost song you check out. Every album has such a unique sound.

[@sreneethomas]

Ghost does a cover of “Here Comes the Sun” that I absolutely love. Should check it out

[@Ellie_xo]

"We'll have to show you some corpse paint" 😂😂😂 also please cover this song! I would love to hear Judsons interpretation of it!

[@wilko6679]

Tobias is pretty much the band. The live set up is him with a load of touring musician's. He does the majority of the writing with some other external writers... one of them being Fredrik Akesson from Opeth recently. Each album cycle has a "different" vocalist. Its always Tobias but he takes on the appearance of a new character. The rest of the band are known as the Nameless Ghouls who all wear near enough identical masks. The music has developed over the albums but its all very listenable. Their growth has been astronomical. Having seen them about 10 times over the past decade or so i can confirm theyre great live. The later stuff is very accessible and almost like stadium rock. Especially when you hear Watcher in the Sky off the latest album.

[@erkjan]

Tobias dont play guitar,drums or keyboards on the records...and the liveband is almost the same for some years now...different nationalities in the band ;)

[@wilko6679]

@erkjan yeah I didn't mean it like that. Tobias, as the vocalist, doesn't just bring in vocal and lyrical ideas. He writes a lot of the music... doesn't necessarily record the instruments though, yeah. Chris Catalyst (Sisters of Mercy) was one of the guitarists at one point, not sure if he still is.

[@erkjan]

@@wilko6679 no one knows ;)

[@MegaThrasher95]

@@wilko6679nah, he was “let go” this year.

[@viktorskold9593]

Can’t get enough of this bloody song

[@alicethurber2518]

There's nothing in the world that can hold a candle to Ghost!! SO freakin' amazing!!

[@juliamt95]

Ghost released some amazing covers a few months ago, the one they did of Iron Maiden's Phantom of the Opera is phenomenal

[@m2pmd70]

Bonus points for the Skeletonwitch shirt. Caught em in Little Rock a few years ago - great live band!

[@Greatmeasures]

🤘

[@melasvarco4791]

My most favorite song of all time.

[@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments]

Opeth - Ghost of Perdition ❤ For some next reaction.

[@chris3884]

Next....CIRICE

[@user-yd7ug3jb4t]

I love this. Please, Richard stay in the camera though. It's fun to see your reactions to Jud's reactions!

[@deadhead_01]

The song’s title is a play on words. Mary on a cross ~ Mariana cross.

[@littlelost2day19]

Square hammer or witch image

[@bumblefluff79]

This was my first exposure to Ghost's music, although I'm aware of what they look like. Must say it was not expecting that! Not sure I liked it, but I didn't dislike it. Will be interesting to see another reaction to their stuff.

[@Ryan-ws3yf]

Ghuleh/Zombie Queen PLEASE!!! It's one song but kind of feels like 2 songs combined. The first part is actually a little slower with a lot of piano. The second part picks up pace and to me has a feel of some surfer rock similar to The Beach Boys. Probably my favorite song by Ghost. I remember the first time I heard Ghost. Luckily it was a live show with my brother. I had only ever heard one song by them previously, The Pinnacle to the Pit, but always thought that was a weird song and never really felt it. At this time though, I did NOT know it was Ghost. They played a show about 2 hours from my house and again, not knowing or to my knowledge had never even heard anything by Ghost, my brother insisted and practically dragged me the whole 2 hours to the show. Needless to say, from the time the lights started flashing, to the black curtain dropping, and hearing the opening drum fill from Rats being the first thing I knowingly heard by them, I was instantly hooked. I've had the pleasure of seeing them a total of 4 times now. More than my brother.

[@nikifaith]

They're amazing live. Such an amazing song!!

[@nickyy.5173]

funny how judson said at the start of the video that it was a song from the 80's, because in the band's lore, mary on a cross is from an album "released in 1969"

[@easyrider3340]

Cirice or Rats both bangers

[@foresthalterman3458]

You need to have him listen to Ghost 'He Is'.....I bet he'd love it! Haha

[@MillicentGaskin]

Everyone loves the chorus ❤

[@werewulf76]

This song puts a smile on everyone’s face.

[@blacklightguidesyou]

It makes me quite sad, for some reason. It's Tobias' tone I think. Beautiful song, just makes me sad.

[@johanfrankenberg4919]

You should do.. Ghost - Jigolo Har Megiddo (Live Acoustic)

[@stianborgund4845]

He was right on the money with the marijuana comment :) the cross is how most roll their spliff/blunt

[@RPZSTA]

GREAT MEASURES, you need to know that GHOST has theatrical LORE with each album and this song and 'Kiss the go-goat' are a mini EP that although came out when it did. In lore it came out 50 years ago that was played by their 'father' back in the day. So thats why its go an older vibe to it! you should watch the video clip of Go-goat if you can!

[@RPZSTA]

Also the singer makes the marijuana joke himself at the end of this song when its played live haha

[@Daytona2112]

Love his reaction though, he he he he. welcome to GHOST ❤

[@superlink235]

I would love to hear Judson react to some crazy jazz stuff. Just like totally outta pocket gnarly musicianship. Something like "There's Beauty In Fear" by Jalen Baker.

[@demonslayer9016]

currently my fav band by far ghost is super

[@quinnknobbe7119]

This song is, indeed, about marijuana.

[@StephenSalaz]

I’d love to see more Ghost reactions. Good job guys

[@aarontrudeau3257]

This band came into my life during a rough time. I was in and out of the hospital with no answers. Before this I would see their thumbnail and think another KISS knockoff. Then one day I said fuck it and listened to Cirice. That was game over. I needed more Ghost and more Ghost. I held them in contempt prior to investigation. I was wrong

[@2yoyoyo1Unplugged]

I get that this is the song that got HUGE by them (besides like Cirice but you know) but Ghost are a very popular band at this point, for good reason, and I think that if it’s analysis you’re looking to do, there are much more interesting songs in their catalog to make videos on. (Again, I mean in terms of “is there something to break down and analyze here?”) Would you like some suggestions?

[@Melmaegwen]

As a classical musician myself, always wanted to see if he reacted to the same things I did when I listened to it!

[@DaP84]

Swedish pronunciation of his name is T-ooh-be-us Forr-ghe (Forr like forrest, ghe like the). He's original, only singer/frontman since band's conception, also mastermind behind the project. Band lore is they are an inverse of Catholic Church, a ministry with anti-popes. So he creates new characters, or evolve them with each album cycle.

[@marcelagebauer8788]

Cirice or Square hammer

[@LastRitesDesigns]

Best live band I’ve ever seen

[@MrTimothypjr]

By a LONNNNG way. in my 57 years of listening to music, I have never encountered anything this good. Saw them 5 times in a year on this last cycle, and I am in deep.

[@gabormata6029]

You guys should listen to Pro Memoria

[@etanramoz]

Haha! «What! That band right there, dresses like that?» you shuld hear Year Zero😅

[@Keinerliebtmichsowieich]

🖤

[@jeremycox9194]

Square hammer. But I’d really be interested to see his reaction to miasma or helvetesfonster. Songs without lyrics. It’ll blow his mind that it’s the same band. Ghost is so musically talented.

[@PaulSimon2003]

Could you guys please make a reaction on Spillways by Ghost? Would be awsome! Love from the Netherlands!❤

[@Daytona2112]

The beginning could rather remind of a COF-song, he he

[@astholm817]

do griftwood or watcher in the sky they're very catchy

[@alexandremaireno-ni4ec]

6:36 You'd need some of that to be rockin' with Beetlejuice

[@tristanblack6609]

Great reaction fellas. Enjoying it!

[@NivenPillay]

This song is way behind it's time; or have we come full circle?

[@Nia_Pan]

Good video! I would like you to also listen to some power metal, like Rhapsody of Fire (previously called Rhapsody) Legendary Tales from the album of the same name, the song has neoclassical tones but it's pure power metal art

[@tnthakomwa]

Lovely analysis

[@madmicl06]

Chopin from Poland

[@mikecrepps5211]

Need to have lyrics up so u can know what's being said. Plus a video reaction would have been nice too. The live video in Tampa Florida is awesome. Half this band is their apperance

[@ShiggyMiyamo]

He plays every Papa. Lol

[@nine3502]

More Ghost!

[@imfanveterans]

Please do the music video to Spillways by Ghost!

[@vinnipage23]

React to "Shaman - Fairy Tale (RITUALIVE)", it's a beautiful metal song of Brazil!

[@patrickduffy1638]

“If you have ghosts “ live acoustic

[@The_Randumb_Channel]

I only got into Ghost in the last few years, but this song was a big reason why. It's beautiful and funny, and just rocks! They are basically just a late 70s Arena Rock band funneled through a Satanic Radio, with a good dose of Kiss theatrics thrown in! I'd recommend doing Call Me Little Sunshine next

[@sij1510]

Not "Beetlejuice" but "pay the dues"

[@quinnknobbe7119]

If you're going to continue doing Ghost, please do "Cirice" next.

[@Recklessghost]

YESSSS!!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@alaksandutheexorkizein7634]

Skeleton Witch 🤟

[@ArielGTAcS]

It had been a while since a saw a pianist that couldn't follow the pattern of the chords or the harmony.

[@danieljackheck]

Their other big big hit is Square Hammer. Other pop-rock songs of theirs is Spillways and Dance Macabre.

[@glennfarid2048]

yes like 80s band like runaway bonjovi with vokal suede

[@unwrittencraft8781]

mary-jua-na cross🕺

[@deanskipit8220]

Check out the live version

[@apolamperouge6013]

for a first Ghost song, I might have gone with their cover of Roky Erikson's 'If You Have Ghosts" but that's just me

[@sreneethomas]

Hands down one of my favorites by them.

[@IheartDeadpool]

It's supposed to give off a 60's vibe. Late 60's. Or 70's. Kinda reminds me of iron butterfly.

[@josephcrowe2908]

We know whay he said. Its platinum byatch

[@coletteolsavsky277]

Rats Square Hammer They have a great mix of amazing covers

[@alcoholica1986]

Mannequin 2 for sure

[@arielgonzalezunzain5341]

Soy yo o dijo , siiii jajajaja

[@SchruteFarms]

I mean you aren’t wrong. Papa does sing “marijuana” at the end of the song at live shows.