Tool have a strict “no phone” policy at their concerts that restricts fans from taking video or photos of the show, except for certain permitted moments. Singer Maynard James Keenan insists that the policy is in effect to make the concertgoer’s experience more enjoyable.
“It’s not about us; it’s about the person behind you, because they’re having to look at the show,” explained Keenan on the Steve-O’s Wild Ride! podcast. “This person paid, like, 70 bucks for a ticket, and now [they’re] back here trying to see the show through your phone. That’s just rude to people. That’s why we pick a couple songs and go, ‘You can film these,’ but don’t ruin somebody else’s experience for the rest of the show. It’s just selfish, and you’re unaware of your behavior.”
He added, “There are a few things, when you’re a kid, that your grandma or your mom taught you. Like, there are the danger ones, and then there are the courtesy ones, right? The danger ones are like, ‘Look both ways before you cross the street,’ right? There’s a short list of five things: don’t put your hand on the stove; don’t run with scissors. And then there are the courtesy ones: please, thank you, yes or no, sir, yes, ma’am, no, ma’am. Don’t point — pointing is rude.”
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Keenan then took out his phone and pointed it at Steve-O, adding, “You point and shoot.”
The policy is also in effect for Keenan’s other bands Puscifer and A Perfect Circle, something to note if you plan on seeing Puscifer on their upcoming spring North American tour in support of their new album, Normal Isn’t (pick up tickets here).
Check out Maynard James Keenan’s full appearance on the Steve-O’s Wild Ride! podcast. The conversation about the phone policy happens within the first 10 minutes of the interview.