Maynard James Keenan has never been one to follow trends — and that includes how his audiences experience live music. As the frontman of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer, he’s long enforced a strict no-filming policy at his shows.
In an interview on Clownvis Presley’s Serious Clownversation podcast, Keenan laid out his philosophy behind the policy: “It’s annoying and it’s distracting and the thing you’re getting on your phone sucks. It’s not a good representation.”
Rather than encourage endless documentation, Keenan wants audiences to be present. “We just kind of force the issue of engaging with each other — watching the show — and just being present. Take a break from it. It’s only three hours.” Fans are permitted to film just one song, the final number, giving them “a souvenir that sucks that you’re never gonna watch,” he explained. Watch the full interview between Keenan and members of Puscifer with Clownvis Presley below.
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The comment echoes a practice Keenan has implemented across his live shows for years. At Tool performances, even official livestreams are limited to wide-angle shots to preserve the atmosphere. Fans who violate the policy may face removal from the venue — or, at a minimum, a public scolding from Keenan himself.
Next week, Keenan will preview Puscifer’s new album with a pair of intimate concerts in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, his other band A Perfect Circle is also known to be working on a new music.
