Ghost has reached a remarkable milestone as their track ‘Mary On A Cross’ has officially surpassed one billion streams on Spotify. This 2019 single, which initially started as a deep cut, has now joined the ranks of iconic heavy metal tracks, including Metallica’s ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Crazy Train.’
Originally featured on the B-side of the band’s two-track release ‘Seven Inches Of Satanic Panic,’ ‘Mary On A Cross’ was not initially intended to be a standout single. However, its unexpected surge in popularity, particularly on TikTok, led to a music video release in July 2024, which was animated in a style reminiscent of ‘Scooby-Doo! Where Are You?’
The song has become a staple in Ghost’s live performances, with over 250 renditions noted on setlist.fm. Its popularity is reflected not only in streaming numbers but also in its impressive view count on YouTube, where it has garnered 160 million views alongside a live version that has attracted 120 million views.
Tobias Forge, the creative force behind Ghost, co-wrote the track with Salem Al Fakir and Vincent Pontare. While he has been somewhat secretive about the song’s meaning, he has hinted at its layered lyrics and the duality of the character Mary, suggesting she could represent either Mary, the mother of Jesus, or Mary Magdalene.
Despite the band’s current hiatus following their extensive Skeletour, there are whispers of Forge reviving his earlier death metal project, Repugnant, with a reunion show rumored to be in the works. As Ghost continues to captivate audiences, ‘Mary On A Cross’ stands as a testament to their growing legacy in the rock and metal scene.
