Jack White has announced that he will be banning the use of mobile phones during his upcoming North American tour.
White recently announced he will be taking the stage again in 2018, following the release of his forthcoming album Boarding House Reach on Mar. 23.
The former White Stripes rocker has been notorious for encouraging concertgoers to live in the moment and take in the performance. In 2014, White commented on the issue to Rolling Stone, saying:
“People can’t clap anymore, because they’ve got a f****** texting thing in their f****** hand, and probably a drink, too! Some musicians don’t care about this stuff, but I let the crowd tell me what to do. There’s no setlist. I’m not just saying the same things I said in Cleveland last night. If they can’t give me that energy back? Maybe I’m wasting my time.”
Now, he is taking his mantra one step further by enforcing fans to place their mobile devices in a lockable Yondr pouch that can only be opened in designed areas of the venue.
“Upon arrival at the venue, all phones and other photo or video-capturing gizmos will be secured in a Yondr pouch that will be unlocked at the end of the show. You keep your pouch-secured phone on you during the show and, if needed, can unlock your phone at any time in a designated Yondr Phone Zone located in the lobby or concourse” White said in a statement.
“For those looking to do some social media postings, let us help you with that. Our official tour photographer will be posting photos and videos after the show at jackwhiteiii.com and the new Jack White Live Instagram account @officialjackwhitelive. Repost our photos & videos as much as you want and enjoy a phone-free, 100% human experience.”
White kicks off his 2018 tour in April, with a Canadian stop in Toronto on Jun. 9 at the Budweiser Stage.