TOOL’s Maynard James Keenan Speaks Out on No-Phone Policy at Live Shows: “What You’re Getting on Your Phone Sucks”

Even as he nears 61, Maynard James Keenan remains one of the most active and enigmatic voices in alternative and heavy music. Whether he’s fronting Tool, A Perfect Circle, or Puscifer, or overseeing one of his many ventures—from vineyards to martial arts academies—the legendary frontman continues to challenge both norms and expectations.

One particular standard he’s long resisted is the audience’s impulse to film shows on their phones. Tool in particular has enforced strict no-filming rules for years, going so far as to restrict festival livestreams to wide shots only. The lone exception in recent memory was their performance at the ‘Back To The Beginning’ farewell concert for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.

At Keenan’s shows, the no-phone policy is often strictly enforced. Fans who break the rule could be warned—or even ejected from the venue.

Now, with bands like Ghost also instituting similar measures—requiring phones to be locked away in pouches—Keenan is once again sharing his reasoning. In a new conversation with Clownvis Presley, Keenan explained why banning phones isn’t just about artist control—it’s about creating a meaningful live experience.

“A lot of times if you go to shows nowadays it ends up becoming the kneejerk thing, that’s just what you do, it’s just acceptable behavior to block somebody else’s view with your phone. It’s annoying and 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.

So we just kind of force the issue of just kinda engaging with each other — watching the show — and just being present, and put that thing… take a break from it. It’s only three hours and at the end we’ll let you pull it out and you can film the last song. That way you have your souvenir that sucks that you’re never gonna watch.”

That final compromise—allowing fans to film the final song—is common at Tool and Puscifer shows, giving attendees a brief window for a digital memento without sacrificing the experience for others.

Keenan’s comments arrive as Puscifer prepare to debut their next studio album this fall. The band will perform the record in full during two intimate shows in Los Angeles on August 11th at The Exchange. With phones out of the equation, those attending can expect a front-row seat to an album rollout in its purest form—just as Keenan prefers.

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