THE BEAST

Ghost strongly prohibited the use of mobile phones, smart watches and other recording accessories at their final two US tour dates this week.

The 28-date Re-Imperatour USA 2023 summer tour kicked off at the Concord Pavilion in California and returned to the state for the final two shows at Los Angeles Kia Forum on Monday and Tuesday (11th and 12th September).

Following in the footsteps of artists including Jack White, Arctic Monkeys and Bob Dylan, Ghost utilised a patented system from San Francisco-based technology firm Yondr to create completely their phone-free space.

Upon entry to the phone and smart watch-free area of the venue, devices are placed into a Yondr case that will then lock. The phone remains in your possession inside the pouch.

In the event of an emergency, attendees can unlock their phones at any time by going to a dedicated and signposted area, intended for phone use.

Enforcing their No Cell-Phone Zone, Ghost said in a statement: “This event will be a phone-free experience.

“Use of phones, smart watches, and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space. Upon the arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches, and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event.

“Anyone seen using a device during the performance will be escorted out of the venue by security. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free viewing experience.”

Additionally, The Kia Forum announced that face paint is permitted at the concerts but masks were forbidden.

It’s unclear why Ghost banned mobile phones at their two Kia Forum shows, however it’s possible the concerts were being professionally filmed for a later release.

Bob Dylan banned mobile phones at his entire UK tour in October 2022, and explained in a statement: “Why are we doing this and is it mandatory? Having created this phone-free experience on recent tours, we believe it creates better times for everyone in attendance.

“Our eyes open a little more and our senses are slightly sharper when we lose the technological crutch we've grown accustomed to. And yes, it's a non-negotiable deal (although medical exemptions are made for those who rely on their phone for treatment).”

Ghost’s first Kia Forum show on Monday featured the live debut of their ‘Impera’ track ‘Twenties’ featuring eight skeleton dancers. Unsurprisingly, there is no mobile phone footage of the performance. 

Read more here at Planet Radio