“No phones” policies have become more common at concerts in recent years. It can be a frustrating experience when a sea of phones go up in unison to film a special part of the show or to take pictures obstructing the view of those standing behind them. The policy has been met with some criticism over the years, but rock legends Tool don’t plan to change their stance on “no phones” anytime soon. Guitarist Adam Jones explained the band’s position in an interview with Metal Hammer. He said one reason is that some fans have their flashlight on while filming and it often takes away from the live experience.
“Yeah, I mean, for us, we’ve actually seen it changing and more and more big acts are asking their fans respectfully to enjoy the show, rather than looking at their camera the whole time,” Jones said. “I think one of the problems is you get a lot of lights because people don’t know how to use their cameras correctly, which makes it very blinding onstage. It’s just…it’s that connection. You lose something without that connection, and you just want people to be in their own world rather than getting the whole show on their phone and then never looking at it again.”
Jones also said that standing behind someone for an entire show while their phone is a major pain. “It’s a big distraction,” he said.” Have you ever been to a concert and you can’t see the show because the person in front of you is holding their phone up in front of the stage? It’s just kind of obnoxious. Just keep your phone in your pocket, enjoy the show and we’ll see you after and you can get back on it! (laughs) People need a break. I feel like [phones have] become an appendage, like part of our anatomy, you know? I just think, once you pull your phone out, you’re not connecting, you’re not at the show, you’re more about capturing it from your phone, watching it from your phone. Okay, then just go on YouTube. Why bother? You’ve paid the money to immerse yourself in this, we’re taking you by the hand and trying to take you on a little journey and do our magic for you. Which is something that requires your attention and your eye contact. It’s a different world, it’s a request and it’s respectful, and I think our fans seem absolutely fine with it.”
Tool is currently on tour with Brass Against, a collective of musicians who play protest songs on brass instruments.
