Jonathan Vigil of The Ghost Inside discusses this week’s Australian tour, reconnecting with fans after the Parkway Drive run, teaming up with Bleed From Within, and returning to Vans Warped Tour.
The Ghost Inside’s Jonathan Vigil is fired up, speaking from Las Vegas (earlier this month), the frontman is gearing up for their first proper return since last year’s Parkway Drive tour.
Despite time constraints and dodgy internet connections, Vigil’s warmth and humour cut through immediately.
“Dude, I’m excited to go back down there,” he grins. “I always have a good time in Australia.”
Nando’s and unfinished business
First thing’s first, Nando’s. Vigil doesn’t hesitate when asked what’s on the menu as soon as he lands.
“Absolutely,” he laughs. ‘”t’s literally my favourite place to eat in the whole world, and Australia does it like nowhere else. We’ve got a few scattered in America, but they’re so far away from me that I never get to go. So yeah, one of the first things I’m hitting.”
Fans might remember that The Ghost Inside once joked about turning their VIP pizza meet and greets into a Nando’s run. “We might do something,” Vigil teases. “If there’s a Nando’s within walking distance of the venue, there’s a good chance someone in the band will be in there.”
It’s worth noting that there is, in fact, a Nandos’ 550 metres from The Forum, where The Ghost Inside is set to tear up on Thursday night to a packed Melbourne crowd.
A return fuelled by determination
For Vigil, this upcoming tour carries a little extra weight. Last year, technical delays on Parkway Drive’s massive production meant The Ghost Inside couldn’t play their full Melbourne and Sydney sets. It was tough for both band and fans, myself included.
“I think it made us more determined, honestly,” he says. “Missing those cities was a bummer. So many people were excited to see us for the first time, and to have that taken away, it sucked. But we were honoured to be part of that tour, and it just made us hungrier to come back.”
That hunger turned into action almost immediately. The band organised a last minute sideshow in Melbourne. “It was one of the coolest shows we’ve played in a long time,” Vigil recalls. “No barrier, 500 kids, sold out, total mayhem. This time around, we’re coming back to give everyone a proper headline show, an hour plus, full power.”
Touring With Bleed From Within
Joining The Ghost Inside on the Australian leg are Scottish heavyweights Bleed From Within, who’ll be making their debut on Australian soil.
“We took them out on our US headline tour when Searching for Solace came out,” Vigil says. “We instantly hit it off. They’re great, fun, humble, and absolutely rip live. Our Australian fans are so passionate, so welcoming, it’s the perfect crowd for them.”
He laughs when told the Scots were nervous about the long flight. “Yeah, it’s a long trip, but once they’re there, they’ll realise it’s absolutely worth it.”
Life in Vegas, baseball dreams, and childhood TV
When conversation shifts homeward, Vigil admits he’s not the stereotypical Las Vegas local.
“It’s pretty hot here, man,” he says. “I don’t drink, so I don’t really hit the Strip. There’s amazing shows, sure, but I’m more about the hikes, Red Rocks, Lone Mountain. I guess I’m kind of a loser when it comes to Vegas life,” he laughs, “but I’m fine with that.”
Sports wise, Vigil’s keeping faith in his hometown heroes. “We’ve been in a bit of a slump,” he admits, “but I think the Dodgers can do it again. With Otani? Anything’s possible.”
And when the talk turns nostalgic, Vigil’s quick to name his childhood obsession: The Simpsons.
“Seasons two through twelve, unbeatable,” The Ghost Inside frontman says without hesitation. “That was my comfort show. Me and my friend would record it off TV and just loop it. I can still quote half of those episodes word for word.”
Full Circle
Finally, the conversation turns to The Ghost Inside’s upcoming Vans Warped Tour slot, a deeply personal milestone for the band.
“Warped was always huge for us,” Vigil reflects. “We were supposed to be on it in 2016, but after the accident in 2015, that obviously didn’t happen. Kevin Lyman [Warped founder] told us, ‘You’ve always got a spot, whenever you’re ready.’ And then, when we finally got back to playing, the tour was done.”
Now, nearly a decade later, that promise is fulfilled.
“We’re only playing one date, Orlando, but it means everything,” Vigil says. ‘Warped Tour gave us our start. Get What You Give came out on Warped 2012, Dear Youth followed in 2014. Those were defining moments. To go back now, after everything we’ve been through, feels full circle. It’s like we’re finally closing that chapter, on our own terms.”
Australian Tour Dates
The Ghost Inside kicked off their Australian tour last night in Perth with a bunch of dates still to come:
| Date | Venue | Location | Support | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 21 Oct | The Gov | Adelaide | Day of Contempt | 18+ |
| Thu 23 Oct | Forum | Melbourne | Day of Contempt | 18+ |
| Fri 24 Oct | Enmore Theatre | Sydney | Broken Earth | 18+ |
| Sun 26 Oct | The Tivoli | Brisbane | Day of Contempt | 18+ |
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