This past summer, Maynard James Keenan expressed why the use of cell phones at shows annoys him. When A Perfect Circle kicked off their tour last month, many fans were in for a surprise seeing their strict no-photo/no-filming policy. Concertgoers had a choice between embracing the moment without looking at the small screen on their phones, taking offense to the rule, or both.
Keenan recently explained that he wanted everyone to simply, “unplug and and enjoy the ride.” It looks like he isn’t the only one in favor of this policy. A Perfect Circle guitarist Billy Howerdel discussed his opinion to the Montreal Gazette and he believes that the use of cell phones are “just rude.”
He commented:
“First of all, it’s just rude. Putting up a phone in front of someone’s face so they get to watch the show through it? Getting a memento of the show — sure, I’ve done it myself. But then you ask, ‘What am I gonna do with this?’
But the other point is, people talking about the show is so much more powerful. We’re inundated with videos and images, and getting back to a campfire conversation, letting people express how they felt in the experience — it says something more.
And it speaks to, what does the music mean to you, and how do you want to tether it to your experiences in your life?”
