Ghost’s 2025 tour plans will have a no-phone policy.
The band announced a 55-date world tour across Europe and North America. More shows will be coming soon. The North American leg includes a July show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It will be Ghost’s debut at this famous venue.
They said in the announcement on their website that the shows will be a ‘phone-free experience.’ “This show will be a phone-free experience. Phones will be secured in Yondr pouches. Guests maintain possession of their phones at all times,” the full message said.
Ghost previously used a no-phone policy at their September 2023 shows at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. Fans had to place their phones, smartwatches, and other items in Yondr pouches at those concerts, too.
“Anyone seen using a device during the performance will be escorted out of the venue by security. We appreciate your cooperating in creating a phone-free viewing experience,” the statement lastly added.
A Yondr pouch locks when guests enter the phone-free area. To use a phone inside, attendees need to leave the area, and it will unlock.
Fans are divided on the rule. Some like not seeing phone screens during the show, while others are unhappy they can’t record their own videos. “I went to a Ghost show at the Forum in LA earlier this year and they were filming so no phones allowed. It was glorious. Every single person was engaged in the music, band and performance. 10/10,” one person wrote on X.
Another one added, “Everyone seems happy about the phone ban on Ghost’s new tour but think about it. There will be no new ritual content to see. No new vids to scream about, no new gifs. Nothing. I really don’t like this future.”
Ghost isn’t the only band that prefers a ‘no-phone’ policy on their shows. Maynard James Keenan also dislikes phone use at his gigs. In a previous interview, he explained, “It’s rude. Not to us, I mean, I just did a whole photoshoot. I’m not afraid of cameras and I’m not afraid of phones. I’ve got mine right here. It’s a very useful tool.”
Besides Keenan, Green Day also paused a show due to an unauthorized drone. They asked fans to put away their phones before they continued. Later, they explained it was a safety issue.
Additionally, Bob Dylan announced a phone-free policy for his upcoming tour, using Yondr pouches to lock phones. Dylan says this rule helps fans focus and improves the concert experience, though there are exceptions for medical needs.
