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[A Special Interview with Tobias Forge of Ghost: True Crime, Parenthood, and the Paranormal]-[Episode 371: A Spooky Sit-down with Tobias Forge from Ghost!]

Morbid · B2 · 2022-09-28

True crime
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📋 Summary

Unveiling the Enigma: Tobias Forge on Morbid

In a highly anticipated episode of the Morbid podcast, hosts Ash and Elena welcome Tobias Forge, the creative force behind the globally acclaimed band Ghost. The conversation transcends typical music interview territory, evolving into a candid discussion about the intersection of art, parenthood, serial killer fascination, and the supernatural.

The "Weird Place": Bonding Through Music

Elena shares a personal anecdote about discovering Ghost’s Impera album. After hearing the record, she and her husband spent three hours immersed in the band’s discography, marking a significant bonding moment. Forge, appreciative of this, welcomes the hosts into what he calls the "weird place," a space where he feels his creative work thrives. The discussion highlights the multi-generational appeal of Ghost, with Forge noting that his shows attract a diverse crowd—from rock fans born in the 40s to young children wearing protective headphones.

Navigating Parenthood and Taboos

Forge and the hosts engage in a relatable dialogue about the challenges of raising children in a world where parents often feel the need to "sugarcoat" reality. Forge emphasizes an open-communication philosophy, explaining that he refuses to shield his children from difficult topics. He shares a humorous story about a subway ride in Stockholm where his child asked a blunt question about anatomy, underscoring his belief that being honest is superior to avoiding taboos. This philosophy extends to his music; he admits that songs like "Mary on a Cross" contain double entendres that he is prepared to explain to his kids, viewing it as part of a healthy, open upbringing.

The Jack the Ripper Theory

One of the most compelling segments of the interview centers on the Jack the Ripper case. Both Elena and Forge reveal themselves to be deeply obsessed with the mystery. Forge presents a compelling, albeit "unsexy," theory: that the killer was likely a local "car man" or butcher who had access to horses and meat, allowing him to move through Whitechapel covered in blood without raising suspicion. He argues that the fascination with the Ripper as an aristocrat is a historical misconception that ignores the patterns of modern serial killers. He suggests that the killer’s ability to evade capture was a combination of local knowledge, timing, and sheer luck, rather than a master criminal genius.

Paranormal Perspectives and Ghostly Dreams

When the conversation turns to the supernatural, Forge admits to a lifelong fear of the dark, despite his stage persona. He describes his approach to lucid dreaming, where he employs a proactive strategy: "Always attack" whatever threatens him in a dream to regain control. The group compares notes on their ideal "ghostly" hauntings—Forge favors a Victorian woman who is "subdued" rather than "twitchy," while Ash playfully admits she would want an "angry bride" to keep things chaotic. They also share a mutual disdain for Ouija boards, with Forge dismissing them as "irritably fake" and a potential way to invite unwanted energy into one's life.

Creative Future and Philosophical Reflections

Looking ahead, Forge hints at potential film projects, suggesting that while a horror movie might be in the works, it is a complex process. The interview concludes with a reflection on happiness. Forge defines his personal happiness as time spent with family without any "have-tos," a rare commodity for a man whose brain is constantly spinning with creative ideas. He credits his vast "memory bank" and deep appreciation for 90s Euro-disco as sources of inspiration and nostalgia, underscoring the deep, multifaceted personality behind the masked frontman of Ghost.

🎯Key Sentences

1
It's like having a cozy seat in our haunted mansion.
2
Get you a girl who can do both.
3
I had no idea that I was missing out on so much.
4
I was so mad at myself.
5
I haven't really felt this way about music in a while.
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📝Key Phrases

1
kick back and relax
2
late to the game
3
freaking out about
4
stand out and succeed
5
bring more of your dream to life
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📖 Transcript

Hey weirdos, Elena here. If you're looking to kick back and relax with Morbid, Wondery Plus is the way to go.
It's like having a cozy seat in our haunted mansion.
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You can join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or in Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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