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Ghost’s Bold Experiment: Banning Phones to Reignite the Concert Experience
In an era where the glow of smartphone screens often outshines the stage lights, Swedish metal titans Ghost are daring to defy the norm. For their upcoming 2025 world tour, mastermind Tobias Forge has declared a bold initiative: a phone-free experience. Fans will secure their devices in Yondr pouches, maintaining possession but eliminating the temptation to film or photograph during the show.
In an era where the glow of smartphone screens often outshines the stage lights, Swedish metal titans Ghost are daring to defy the norm. For their upcoming 2025 world tour, mastermind Tobias Forge has declared a bold initiative: a phone-free experience. Fans will secure their devices in Yondr pouches, maintaining possession but eliminating the temptation to film or photograph during the show.
Forge describes this move as an “experiment,” acknowledging skepticism even from his own 16-year-old daughter, who feared it might deter ticket sales. Yet, Forge remains undeterred, expressing concern over the “deeply disconnected” atmosphere created when thousands of fans view the concert through their phone screens.
This initiative isn’t without precedent. In September 2023, Ghost’s feature film debut, “Rite Here Rite Now,” was filmed over two nights at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, both of which were device-free experiences. The result? Forge recalls them as some of the best shows they’ve ever done, with an engaged crowd reminiscent of concerts from a decade ago.
The goal of this phone-free experiment is to foster a more immersive and connected environment, allowing fans to fully engage with the performance without the distraction of documenting it. As Forge passionately puts it, “It’s just two hours of your life. Come on.”
Ghost’s 2025 world tour kicks off on April 15 in Manchester, United Kingdom, and will be a litmus test for this daring endeavor. Whether this experiment will set a new standard for live performances or face resistance from a tech-dependent audience remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Ghost is challenging us all to live in the moment and truly experience the power of live music.
For more on Ghost and their upcoming tour, visit their official website: Ghost Official Website