“It’s your phone – I don’t mind”: Why John 5 is against phone bans at live shows
In a world in which we’re all glued to our phone screens, some artists have taken it upon themselves to force fans to take a break – at least while they watch their shows, anyway.
The phones-at-shows debate has picked up steam in the last year or so. On one hand, some believe banning smartphones at shows encourages the audience to be more present and enjoy the show more, while others think such bans infringe on a fan’s right to film a gig if they wish to do so.
There are also a number of logistical and safety concerns pertaining to phone bans, like fans being unable to contact their friends in a venue should they become separated.
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One of the biggest proponents of phone bans at shows has been Ghost leader Tobias Forge, who mandated last year that fans place their smartphones into locking Yondr pouches for the duration of their set on their Skeletour, which ran from 2025 to 2026.
“If you have 10,000 people at a concert and 8,000 of them are holding a phone, there’s something deeply disconnected,” he reasoned at the time. The success of the ban was sometimes questioned, like when, at the band’s show in Birmingham, UK, fans were queuing to get into the venue for over an hour.
Even pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter has toyed with the idea of limiting smartphone use at her concerts. That’s a different kettle of fish altogether, of course, considering Carpenter’s army of teenage fans.
But there are certainly still musicians who encourage the use of phones during shows, as the fan-filmed footage can serve as promotional material, plus viewing material for those unable to attend.
In a new interview with Louder, guitarist John 5 says he’s all for his fans filming his gigs.
“Many bands object when the fans film the show on their phones. I don’t mind,” he says. “Record the show, put it online. It’s your phone. There are a lot of people that won’t be able to see it, so let’s give them a little joy.”
Tobias Forge elaborated on his Ghost phone ban last year, saying people recording during his shows is “irritating”.
“Maybe I’m old school, maybe I’m old-fashioned,” he said. “I just feel that we’re having an intimate moment, and it disturbs me that you’re filming while we’re doing this together. I’m doing something for you to respond to me.”
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