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There has been a strict ban on cell phones at concerts by the progressive metal band Tool for years. While many artists now use smartphones themselves and tolerate or even encourage recordings from their fans, singer Maynard James Keenan is consciously taking a different approach.
In a recent interview, the frontman explained why this regulation is so important to him – and why, in his opinion, it’s not about control, but about respect.
Respect instead of egoism: Why the cell phone ban serves the audience
On the podcast “Steve-O’s Wild Ride!” Keenan made it clear that the ban should primarily benefit the audience. “It’s not about us, it’s about the person behind you who wants to watch the show,” the singer said. “This person paid $70 for a ticket and is now trying to watch the show through your phone. That’s just rude.”
The musician criticized the carelessness of many concertgoers who were unaware of the consequences of their behavior. “So we pick a few songs and say, ‘You can film these,’ but don’t ruin the rest of the show for everyone else. That’s selfish and you’re not aware of your behavior,” Keenan said.
Politeness begins in childhood – and also applies at concerts
In the conversation, the singer also built a bridge to basic social rules. He compared filming during a concert to simple etiquette that you actually absorb with your mother’s milk. “As a child, you learn a lot from your grandma or your mother. There are the dangerous rules and the polite rules,” he explained. Politeness means, among other things, not disturbing others and being considerate – and for him that also includes leaving your cell phone in your pocket at a concert.
To illustrate his argument, Keenan picked up his smartphone in the studio and pointed it at podcast host Steve-O. “You just aim and pull the trigger,” he commented dryly. An example of how quickly and thoughtlessly people film their surroundings today (and how violent this process actually is).
Watch the whole interview here:
Lighters instead of cell phone lights: Keenan relies on tradition
The cell phone ban applies not only to Tool, but also to Keenan’s other projects Puscifer and A Perfect Circle. Fans who want to see Puscifer on the upcoming North American tour in spring 2026 should be prepared for similar rules.
Keenan’s stance contrasts with a zeitgeist in which concerts are increasingly viewed through displays. The 61-year-old is also rather unavailable for a sea of lights in the audience, for which artists nowadays often ask their fans to turn on their cell phone flashlights. Then you have to use the good old lighter.
