Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson commented on the band's request for fans not to use cell phones during the Run For Your Lives Tour . The measure aims to keep fans "in tune" with the songs on the setlist.
In an interview with Trunk Nation , he explained that, while the concept is interesting, its implementation presents challenges. The Briton cited Ghost , which requires fans to keep their cell phones sealed in special bags during the show.
“Seeing a Ghost show without cell phones is like returning to the essence of live music. People really connect with whoever is on stage and with each other. They interact and truly live in the moment. They aren't worried about recording everything or taking selfies. It's a more human experience. However, this only works well in arenas, where there is control over entry and exit. And the most interesting thing is that they don't take your cell phone. You keep it, just sealed in a small bag. Nobody is stealing anything from you, they're just giving you the chance to be there, present. In stadiums and festivals, with tens of thousands of people circulating, it's almost impossible to apply this type of restriction. I talked to Tobias [Forge] about this the other day, after a show in San Diego, and he himself acknowledges this,” he said [transcription via Blabbermouth ].
Fans have respected the cell phone ban at shows, says Bruce Dickinson.
Bruce Dickinson also responded that, in the case of Iron Maiden , it's not possible to completely ban the use of cell phones at concerts, since most performances take place in stadiums and open-air venues. However, according to the vocalist, the fans' reaction has been respectful and, in many cases, positive.
“We didn’t announce anything in advance. So it wouldn’t be fair to demand that the audience seal their cell phones without prior notice. We only asked: try not to watch the show with your cell phone in front of your face the whole time. They understood the request and, for the most part, they cooperate. Especially those who are closer to the barrier. When someone insists on filming, it’s often the surrounding audience that calls that person’s attention to it,” he concluded.
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