Volbeat And Ghost Rocked Van Andel Arena

The first big rock show of 2022 at Van Andel Arena featured headlining sets from Volbeat and Ghost and the fans got their money's worth.

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Unfortunately, the show was not a sell-out but there was still a good size audience in attendance. Those that did go to the show got a real treat from two bands that brought full production stage shows and headlining setlists.

There was a third band that opened the show by the name of Twin Temple. That have been dubbed as a "Satanic Doo-Wop Duo" with music that ironically sounds very positive and fun but if you listen close the lyrics are very dark. You can take a peek below:

Volbeat was next on the stage and they had a massive video screen behind them, one on each side of the drum kit and two more in front of the drums that added to the visual. This was by far the biggest stage set that Volbeat has taken on the road thus far in their career.

Volbeat is from Denmark and singer Michael Poulsen definitely has a certain charm about him when addressing the audience. Unlike most singers who demand the spotlight and ownership of the front of the stage, Poulsen sings from four different places on the stage, and the three members who are upfront share the limelight because of it.

Volbeat Setlist at Van Andel Arena 2-16-22

1. The Devil's Bleeding Crown
2. Pelvis on Fire
3. Temple of Ekur
4. Lola Montez
5. Sad Man's Tongue
6. A Warrior's Call/I Only Want to Be With Your (first time on tour)
7. Say No More
8. Wait a Minute My Girl
9. Black Rose
10. Shotgun blues
11. Seal the Deal
12. The Devil Rages On
13. Doc Holliday
14. The Sacred Stones
15. Die to Live
16. Still Counting

It was a great performance from all four members of Volbeat who are one of the few bands who are not using backing tracks these days. Lead guitarist Rob Caggiano is a tremendous player and spot on with his guitar solos. If you were a guitar in the audience, after hearing Rob you had to walk away inspired, I know I did.

Volbeat looked like they were having as much fun as the audience and definitely showed their appreciation of the audience from the graphic they close the night with on the video screen.

As soon as Volbeat wrapped up their set, took their bow, and walked off stage, Ghost began their audience prep of light music that sounded very classical and religious but in a dark way that slowly began to build for the entire half-hour as stages were swapped out.

When Ghost hit the stage, that is when you saw their 8 piece band referred to as "Nameless  Ghouls" in their new costumes which were a big change from their previous but costume or not the band sounded incredible led by singer Papa Emeritus IV (Tobias Forge).

Ghost is from Sweden and because of their country's culture where they encourage art, music, and theatre, their artist tend to bring all those things to their live shows. Ghost really encompasses all of those items in their show and it makes them interesting and most importantly entertaining.

Tobias has moved on from the Papa Nihl character with bringing new character Papa Emeritus IV. Throughout the show, Emeritus has many wardrobe changes to give the theatre experience.

Ghost gave their fans a fantastic setlist of songs and many of my favorites from their album "Meliora". They did include their cover of Metallica's "Enter Sandman" and three new songs from their forthcoming album Impera.

Ghost Setlist at Van Andel Arena 2-16-22

1. Kaisaion
2. Rats
3. From the Pinnacle to the Pit
4. Mary on a Cross
5. Devil Church
6. Cirice
7. Hunter's Moon
8. Faith
9. Helvetesfonster (intro only)
10. Year Zero
11. Ritual
12. Mummy Dust
13. Enter Sandman (Metallica cover)
14. Dance Macabre
15. Square Hammer

This was a fantastic night of music with some incredible music from all the artists. If you missed the show, I highly reccomend you going to see these bands next time they come visit West Michigan.