As summer hits, so do the festivals. Festival-goers have been filling the fields of music events across the country to see their idols take centre stage against open-sky backdrops. Whilst the most recent 2026 Download Festival was impacted by rain, fans did not let this stop them!
One person who lifted the spirits of fans who were caught in the rain was the one and only Vanessa Warwick. In collaboration with Concept Cafes and the iconic Raven Records, Vanessa brought her fan-engaging joy to the masses attending.
Whilst this was Vanessa’s latest project, it is certainly not her last. I sat down with Vanessa in this exclusive interview to talk about her time at Download, her upcoming role at Rock Imperium Festival next month, her love for animals, her advocacy journey, and all things Skeletour, including a reveal of her favourite Papa!
Exclusive interview with Vanessa Warwick about new Ghost film and other projects
Warwick opened by expressing her joy at being back at the iconic Download Festival:
“It was wonderful to be back on the hallowed grounds of Download.”
She continued to express that it’s been over two decades since her last visit, but observed that the fan base and experiences this time were very inclusive. With a large amount of her focus now being on fan engagement activity, it is very important for her to see.
“It was wonderful to see that we had the first female headliner.”
We discussed further how there was a period in time where there were fewer females at rock/metal concerts, but this is starting to change, with the audience becoming generally broader and even a “female-only pit” being spotted on socials.
Warwick then went on to further explain why connections between fans and artists are fundamental, referencing Ghost in particular and her time on the Skeletour.
“When I interacted with the fans, I just loved hearing their stories.”
Fans of Ghost will know how crucial it is to have someone who interacts with them and makes them feel seen at rituals via their personal stories or creativity. This is due to Ghost being a “master band” that doesn’t engage with fans directly a lot.
Whilst we did go back to Ghost later in the interview, I really wanted to ask her about her animal advocacy journey and why she feels that it is important to make an impact with those we share a planet with.
“I think so much of it is about education.”
In an emotional but important turn, we spoke about a shared love of animals and the animal kingdom. Warwick detailed the moment that made her want to rethink her diet and ignite her urge to protect those who “do not have a voice.”
Although this was a very heavy and hard topic, she shared some very heavy stories that highlight why people need to see the facts and reality of cruelty that happens, and how she can use her platform to help make a change.
After that passionate and sensitive conversation, I brought things back to a very important band - Ghost. I referenced the joy that was brought to the “pre-show” by Warwick as she ventured into the crowds to offer ticket upgrades, contests, and overall energy, whilst the congregation waited for their ritual to begin.
“I was in a very honoured position to be bridging the gap between the Ghost universe and the real world.”
There were a lot of memories highlighted by Warwick from her time on the 2025/26 Skeletour, and one of these was the overall energy of the Mexican fans on the Mexican leg. This brought me perfectly into the recent announcement of the new and upcoming second Ghost movie.
“It really was a stadium show, in an arena.”
Warwick stated that she is so excited for the new release so that fans all over the world can experience the magic again, together. And for fans who sadly didn’t get to see it firsthand, it is “the next best thing.”
I always like to end my interviews with a light question, and I had to ask who her favourite Papa is. And you can find out what she said in the fantastic full interview (along with much more) above.
I would like to thank Vanessa Warwick for her time and kindness during the interview.
Add us as a preferred source on Google