Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson recently shared his observations about phone-free concerts after attending a Ghost show. He discussed his findings in an interview with Appetite for Distraction.
The Iron Maiden frontman expressed strong views about mobile phone usage at live music events. He described the notable difference he experienced at a concert where phones were prohibited.
“In so many ways, I wish the camera on those phones had never been invented. But it has been invented. It’s now a kind of infestation is the way I would describe it,” Dickinson said. “You know, it’s like some terrible disease that people feel the need to look at the world through their stupid little device.”
He continued his critique of phone dependency at concerts. He emphasized the importance of being present in the moment.
“It’s like a failing of humanity basically. Put it down, put it in your pocket and look around you. Look at the people. Look at the joy. Look at the band. Feel the emotion. Feel the music,” he explained.
Dickinson then shared his personal experience attending Ghost’s phone-free concert. At this show, devices were secured in special bags.
“I went to see the Ghost show, and it was a no-phone show. So all the phones were in baggies. Oh my god, the difference in the difference is astonishing. The atmosphere was its wow. I mean really really noticeable,” he said. “Even the way people behaved with each other, interacted with each other, not looking at the band, just being civil to each other, talking to each other, you know, was different.”
Dickinson’s observations align with a broader movement in the music industry toward creating more immersive concert experiences by eliminating digital distractions.
Blabbermouth reported that Ghost’s frontman, Tobias Forge, described the phone ban as “an experiment” born from a desire to combat the growing disconnect caused by widespread phone use during concerts. Forge noted that in large shows, when most people hold up phones, “there’s something deeply disconnected.”
Aish detailed that Ghost’s 2025 world tour, dubbed the “Skeletour,” adopts this no-phone policy by requiring fans to lock their phones in special pouches upon entry. The policy allows only limited use in designated areas. This approach aims to encourage attendees to be fully present during the show.
The phone ban extends beyond Ghost’s live performances. Arrow Lords of Metal noted that the policy was also implemented during the recording of Ghost’s film project “Rite Here Rite Now” at phone-free shows in Los Angeles. This demonstrates the band’s commitment to fostering genuine engagement.
Northeastern University highlighted that Ghost’s phone ban is intended not for copyright control but to create a joyous, involved crowd atmosphere. This philosophy aligns with Dickinson’s observations about improved audience interaction and civility when phones are removed from the equation.
The comments reflect Dickinson’s ongoing interest in improving the concert experience for both performers and audiences. They highlight a growing trend among major artists to prioritize authentic live music experiences over digital documentation.
