Former Band Members Sue Ghost Founder

Four ex members of Swedish metal band Ghost claim that founder and frontman Tobias Forge, who performs as “Papa Emeritus,” deprived them of earnings from touring and record sales.  

John Davisson – Papa Emeritus II of Ghost B.C.
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Empire Polo Field, Indio, Calif.

Forge took care of the band’s finances since its formation in the late 2000s – dates vary depending on the source. The lawsuit, which was filed at the district court of Linköping, Sweden, claims he withheld money from his band members, who now demand that he release the income and expense accounts for the years 2011 until 2016.

The former band members have asked the court to fine Forge SEK 200,000 ($22,250) should he not comply. They also claim that Forge had always maintained that the band, which won a Grammy in 2016, wasn’t profitable.

Forge told Corren.se that he couldn’t comment on legal proceedings. Ghost is touring Europe, with the last show taking place April 30 at Helsinki, Finland’s Jäähalli, before traveling to South America in May for three dates. A lengthy U.S. tour begins in June.