Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx recently addressed the growing trend of bands banning cell phones at concerts. He shared his perspective on the matter in a statement posted on X.
The bassist’s comments came in response to a fan’s question about whether Mötley Crüe would consider implementing a no-phone policy at their shows, similar to bands like Ghost and Tool.
A fan had asked Sixx: “A lot of bands are trying ot the no phone thing at concerts. I have been to one of those since I never got to experience just being in the moment and it was so much more fun than seeing a concert through someone’s phone. Is that something you guys could think about as well?”
“What ever bands you’re mentioning need to understand the cats outta the bag and it ain’t ever going back in,” Sixx responded. “Sometimes it’s a bummer but let them have fun.”
The musician’s stance suggests that Mötley Crüe will not be joining the movement to restrict phone usage during their performances. Instead, they choose to let fans enjoy concerts as they see fit.
Sixx’s position contrasts sharply with a growing number of rock and metal acts who have implemented strict phone-free policies at their shows.
Aish.com reported that heavy metal band Ghost enforces a complete phone ban during their 2025 Skeletour shows, proving that “the best concert moments aren’t captured — they’re lived.” The Swedish band requires fans to lock their phones in Yondr pouches at entry points. This creates designated phone-free zones throughout their venues.
The enforcement of these policies has become increasingly sophisticated across the industry. Ranker.com noted that bands like A Perfect Circle and The Lumineers utilize Yondr bags to boost live engagement and prevent obstructed views. Fans must place their devices in lockable pouches upon entry. These pouches can only be unlocked at designated “phone use” spots by venue attendants throughout the show.
Other prominent musicians have voiced strong support for phone-free concerts. Billy Howerdel, guitarist for A Perfect Circle, explained that his band bans cell phones “for the sake of integrity.” He questioned the value of filming concerts by asking, “What am I gonna do with this?” Similarly, Ghost’s Tobias Forge has stated that the phone ban aims to reverse the “ever-growing distance between crowd and band” that mobile devices create during live performances.
The implementation of these policies has not been without challenges. YouTube reports revealed that Ghost’s phone ban enforcement has caused entry lines lasting up to 1.5 hours at some venues, as security staff process each attendee’s device. Despite these logistical hurdles, bands continue to pursue phone-free experiences as they seek to restore the traditional concert atmosphere.
