Ghost frontman Tobias Forge has addressed the band’s controversial phone ban policy in a recent interview with Planet Rock. The discussion highlighted the positive impact of phone-free shows, specifically focusing on two performances in Los Angeles where the policy was implemented.
“I really wanna underline that the ban has nothing to do with, let’s say, copyright control. It’s not that we wanna sit on all the material and we don’t want anybody to monetize [Ghost videos]; it has nothing to do with that,” Forge explained.
“We filmed two shows in L.A. in front of audiences where they had to put their phones into pockets,” he continued. “You don’t give it away. You have your phone; you don’t have to worry about that. If you need to call, you can go out. If you need to take a photo, you can take a photo of yourself out in the lobby; that’s fine.”
“But what ended up happening was that we had such an engaged crowd that seemed joyous in a way that… I had to go back years and in time since I last saw a fully engaged crowd where everybody’s actually watching [the show]. They don’t have to watch me, but they’re watching the band,” he added.
This policy implementation has created a significant change in Ghost’s concert experience. Several notable developments have emerged in their live performances and future tour plans.
Enhanced Concert Experience
Loudwire reports that the Los Angeles shows rank among the ‘best’ live performances in Ghost’s career. Forge specifically noted the remarkable difference in audience interaction.
The phone-free concerts proved so successful that the band used the fully engaged crowd as extras for their upcoming concert film project, according to Hello Rayo.
Future Implementation
MetalSucks confirms Ghost’s 2025 world tour will maintain the phone-free experience using Yondr pouches for all attendees.
The band made this decision after receiving positive feedback from previous phone-free shows. Audiences demonstrated unprecedented levels of engagement during these performances.
Technical Implementation
Louder Sound explains that the Yondr pouch system lets fans keep their devices while preventing usage during the show.
This solution allows concert-goers to access their phones in designated areas when needed. The system maintains the integrity of the phone-free environment inside the venue.
