For several years now, Maynard James Keenan and his bands Tool, Puscifer, and A Perfect Circle have implemented a “no-phone” policy at their shows. During a recent appearance on Clownvis Presley’s podcast “Serious Clownversation,” Keenan defended his decision to ban the use of such devices at his concerts.
“A lot of times if you go to shows nowadays, it ends up becoming the knee-jerk thing. That’s just what you do, it’s just acceptable behavior to block somebody else’s view with your phone,” he said, adding: “It’s annoying, it’s distracting, and the thing you’re getting on your phone sucks. It’s not a good representation. You’re not gonna go home and watch it.”
He continued, explaining that he would rather have audiences be present in the moment than watch the show through their screens:
“We just kind of force the issue of engaging with each other — watching the show — and just being present. Take a break from it. It’s only three hours.”
While phones are generally not welcome at his shows, Keenan does permit fans to film the last song at the end of their set. “That way you get to have your souvenir that sucks that you’re never gonna watch,” he said.
