A Perfect Circle guitarist Billy Howerdel discussed his issues with fans using cell phones at shows in a new OC Register interview. Maynard James Keenan bans the use of cell phones taking pictures and filming shows with his three bands: Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer.
The music video for A Perfect Circle’s “Disillusioned” shows people glued to their cell phones, slaves to their pocket technology. The visual is one that’s all too familiar to the average concertgoer as it’s common to see fans filming entire shows on their phones, texting friends, taking selfies or even playing games during live concerts.
“I appreciate that it’s something we take for granted at this point since we don’t allow any phones at our shows,” Howerdel said during a recent phone interview.
“It’s like the old days for us,” Howerdel continued. “We get to see people engaged with us at the show, unless it’s a festival and then we don’t have control. We’ve done festivals mostly in Europe and it’s not the same there as it is in the States, not like at Coachella where everyone has their phone out. In Europe, they take a step back and embrace it.”
Howerdel also discussed the cell phone issue with The Gazette.
“I don’t understand why anyone records from their phone at a show,” Howerdel said. “It’s just rude. We also hope that people can stay connected with us throughout the show. It’s difficult to do that when you are on a device. Just sit back and take in every element of the show.”
