There’s two opposites to the filming policy: 2009’s NINJA tour where Trent has an open taping policy, and all of Maynard’s shows recently (Puscifer/Tool/APC).

Just from the fan experience I’ll take the “keep your cell phone away” every time, easy decision. As cool as it was to watch YT vids and projects of live NIN shows in 2009, being there wasn’t that cool with hand held cameras all over the place along with cell phones. Concerts are now bananas (B-A-N-A-N-A-S!) with probably nearly half the fans there recording whith on their smart phones.

The argument for “in case of emergency” is fairly weak. They don’t confiscate your phone, if something serious happens it’s still there with you. I’ve been to a bunch of Maynard’s shows with the policy and took my phone out of my pocket to check the time or refresh ESPN to check some scores. Was just mindful enough to keep it at my belt line. No one cared.