Maynard James Keenan has once again vocalized his stance regarding the prohibition of phone usage at his concerts, a policy that has been in effect for several years across his various musical projects, including Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer. In a recent interview with Clownvis Presley, he reiterated the reasons behind this controversial rule, providing fresh insights into his motivations.

According to Keenan, many concert-goers have developed a habitual tendency to use their phones during performances, which often results in obstructing others’ views. He emphasized that this behavior has become a common norm that detracts from the overall concert experience. “It’s just what you do, it’s just acceptable behavior to block somebody else’s view with your phone,” he explained, underscoring the negative impact of this practice on audience enjoyment.

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He further elaborated on the distraction caused by phones, stating that the content people capture often fails to represent the live experience accurately. “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.” His goal is to encourage fans to be fully present, to take a break from their devices, and to connect with fellow concert-goers. Interestingly, he mentioned that phones are allowed during the final song of the performance, providing fans with a memento of their experience, albeit one they likely won’t revisit. “That way you get to have your souvenir that sucks that you’re never gonna watch,” Keenan humorously concluded.

For those interested, the full interview can be viewed below.

Maynard James Keenan Reiterates Justification for Phone Ban at Live Shows

When Did Keenan Initially Implement the Phone Ban at His Bands’ Concerts?

The outspoken frontman first expressed his disapproval of fans recording live performances with their phones back in 2017, notably during an engaging podcast discussion with Joe Rogan. That same year, reports emerged that over 60 attendees were removed from an A Perfect Circle concert for violating the no-phone policy, which was clearly communicated through a warning displayed prominently on stage.

By the fall of 2019, concert venues hosting Tool began sending out emails to ticket holders outlining the repercussions of phone usage during performances. One such message emphasized the importance of experiencing the show without distractions: “We respectfully request that you please watch and listen to the show, not your phone. You will be ejected from the show without the opportunity to return and without a refund if you violate this simple request and elect to take photos during the performance,” according to a fan who shared the information on Reddit.

What More Has Keenan Shared Regarding Phone Usage at Concerts Previously?

In February 2024, during a Tool concert, Keenan confronted an audience member directly for using their phone, shouting, “Put your fucking phone away, dickhead, seriously!” mid-performance while the band played “Intolerance.” Fans have reported that Keenan frequently addresses the crowd about his concerns regarding cell phone usage, emphasizing the importance of being present in the moment.

One audience member recalled a previous concert in Corpus, where Keenan remarked that anyone unable to go two hours without their phones should consider seeking help. A few months after this incident, Keenan expanded on his views in an interview with Phoenix News Times, stating, “It’s rude.” He elaborated, explaining that capturing the live experience on a phone is futile, as it detracts from the opportunity to immerse oneself fully in the moment. “You’re missing the opportunity of actually absorbing in real time what’s happening. The art of storytelling. Being able to actually recount what you saw without having to record it. Training your brain to live in the moment and see the thing, but more importantly, stop annoying the person behind you,” he stated passionately.