Mushroomhead drummer Steve Felton sat down with Cassius Morris for a new interview and addressed the ‘no-phone rule’ in live shows.
The drummer mentioned Ghost’s recent statement about the rule and admitted that his band once did something similar.
“We actually did that at a show. We had a show to celebrate our album ‘Superbuick,’ and it was a limited number of tickets and there was like a dress code. Everyone had to wear a suit and tie at the very least; it was one of those type of events,” he explained. “And then we just asked everyone to put their phones away and please do not take pictures, just enjoy the show, please. And, man, it was amazing how many people just went with it. And there weren’t phones out. There’s not even a lot of pictures online of that event because people, they really wanted to experience that.”
The drummer thinks the no phones rule should be for only special occasions: “Now doing that every time or just telling people what to do in general isn’t cool, I don’t think. People wanna do what they wanna do. They have a right to get on their phone if they want. Even at a full show, if you can manage to put it down for three songs and just enjoy yourself, I highly recommend it.”
Fear Factory’s Dino Cazares also shared his thoughts on the matter, saying people should be able to do whatever in live shows as long as they don’t disturb others.
“I don’t care if u bring phones into our show. The way I look at it is when u buy a ticket u do what the f*ck u want as long as no one’s getting hurt. It’s not my venue so u have to follow whatever rules the venue gives if any,” the rocker wrote on X.
The band’s website shared that the concerts will be a ‘phone-free experience’ using Yondr pouches. Fans will keep their phones but can only unlock them outside the venue’s designated area. This rule was previously used by Ghost at their September 2023 show at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
“Anyone seen using a device during the performance will be escorted out of the venue by security. We appreciate your cooperating in creating a phone-free viewing experience,” the band said in a statement.
While many other rock artists, like Maynard James Keenan, also prefer a ‘no-phone’ rule at their shows, fans have mixed opinions about Ghost’s policy. Some enjoy the experience without phone screens, feeling it helps them focus on the concert. However, others are disappointed because they can’t record moments for themselves.