Maynard James Keenan hates cell phones at rock concerts — and he’s not afraid to share his opinion.
Tool has famously banned phones at their shows, and in a recent interview on Clownvis Presley’s Serious Clownversation podcast, Kennan insisted it was “annoying and distracting” to see fans in the crowd recording their performances.
“It’s annoying and it’s distracting and the thing you’re getting on your phone sucks,” he said. “It’s not a good representation. You’re not gonna go home and watch it.”
While some fans have been frustrated by Tool’s cell phone band, Keenan says its ultimately designed to create the greatest experience possible. Tool also regularly announces one song in their set where fans are allowed to record, something of a compromise on the issue.
“We just kind of force the issue of engaging with each other – watching the show – and just being present,” the frontman explained. “Take a break from [the phone]. It’s only three hours.”
While some fans argue their cell phone videos provide a valuable keepsake from the show, Keenan disagrees. The rocker described such amateur footage as “a souvenir that sucks that you’re never gonna watch.”
Tool’s 2025 performances have largely consisted of festival sets, including the Brazil and Chile editions of Lollapalooza. In December they’ll play at Honolulu’s Blaisdell Arena, marking their first performance in Hawaii in over a decade.