Bob Dylan is now among the musicians who forbid phones during concerts.
The singer recently shared his new tour dates. However, the announcement also had a warning about the phone usage in the shows. Dylan said in his statement:
This concert is a ‘PHONE FREE SHOW,’ this means that phones are not allowed in the hall during the concert. How it works? Once you arrive at the venue, Yondr (the phone pouch company engaged on this concert) will have its dedicated staff available to help you put your phone in a locked and secure pouch, which you will keep with you throughout the evening.”
Dylan explained what people should do if there is an emergency that would require phone use:
“What should I do if I have an emergency and need to access my phone? You can unlock your phone pocket at any time by going to a dedicated and signposted area, intended for phone use. Do not hesitate to ask a Yondr staff member to help you.”
He also explained why it is mandatory:
“Why are we doing this and is it mandatory? Having created this phone-free experience on recent tours, we believe it creates better times for everyone in attendance. Our eyes open a little more and our senses are slightly sharper when we lose the technological crutch we’ve grown accustomed to. And yes, it’s a non-negotiable deal (although medical exemptions are made for those who rely on their phone for treatment.)
Keenan’s No Phones Rule
Many other musicians are against phone use during their shows. However, the most outstanding name for this rule would be Maynard James Keenan.
In an interview with Phoenix New Times, the frontman talked about his 60th birthday show and shared his frustration with fans who pull out their phones to record. When asked why he doesn’t allow phones at live performances, he clarified:
” It’s rude. Not to us, I mean, I just did a whole photoshoot. I’m not afraid of cameras and I’m not afraid of phones. I’ve got mine right here. It’s a very useful tool.”
He also added that people miss the authenticity of the show and the recording of the show doesn’t reflect the same experience. However, the band does not completely ban the phone use in their shows. Tool usually lets fans film one song ‘as a souvenir’ at the end of their performances. Though if you do so earlier, you might get yelled at.