SOAD's SHAVO ODADJIAN Says Phone Bans At Shows 'Take Something Away' From Fans: 'I Catch Myself Filming Sometimes Too'

Shavo Odadjian, bassist of System of a Down, doesn’t believe in taking away your phone at a concert.

In a recent Q&A with readers of Metal Hammer, Odadjian shared his thoughts on phone-free shows, a practice growing in popularity among artists looking to keep fans more engaged during live performances.

His take? Let people decide for themselves.

“It’s fun to play for people who are so into the moment that they forget about their phones,” he said. “Some bands set rules, but it feels like I’m taking something away from someone when I do that.”

He’s not against being present during a concert. In fact, he appreciates it when fans focus on the show instead of their screens. Still, he doesn’t think banning phones is the right solution.

“I like living in the moment,” he said. “But I also catch myself filming sometimes.”

Odadjian, who recently performed with his other project Seven Hours After Violet, admitted to pulling out his phone to record parts of a Tool show they opened for. The production impressed him enough to hit record.

The growing debate over concert phone use

Live music fans have mixed feelings about phones at shows. Some want to film everything. Others want to watch the stage, not the glowing screens in front of them.

Artists like Jack White and Bob Dylan have made headlines for restricting phone use entirely. Some even partner with companies like Yondr, which seal phones in locked pouches during performances.

Supporters of the policy say it helps people connect more deeply with the music. Critics argue that it’s a bit much. Phones are part of modern life, and concerts are no exception.

Odadjian sees both sides, but he leans toward freedom of choice.

“You might disagree, and that’s fine,” he said. “But to me, people should be able to choose what they want to do.”

He’s not the only artist feeling conflicted. Others have expressed appreciation for fans who stay off their phones, while also acknowledging the joy some people get from capturing a favorite moment.

System of a Down is back on tour

This conversation comes at a busy time for Odadjian. System of a Down recently announced their first full tour in seven years. The band has had a rocky history when it comes to making new music, but they’ve remained popular thanks to their intense live shows and unique sound.

Get System of a Down Tickets Here.

The band’s fans are known for their passion, especially in countries like Brazil and Argentina, where System of a Down continues to draw massive crowds.

“I’ve been enjoying South America a lot,” Odadjian said in the same interview. “They’re such a welcoming, passionate people. It’s fun to play for anyone that enjoys music so much that they put their phones down.”

Still, he doesn’t see that as a reason to take phones away.

A broader view on technology and performance

Odadjian’s views highlight a bigger question about the role of technology in live entertainment. As concerts become more immersive, from elaborate stage setups to LED wristbands and augmented reality effects, phones are just one more layer in the experience.

For some, phones are a way to stay connected and share moments. For others, they’re a distraction. Artists are navigating this balance in different ways, some through policy, others through encouragement.

Odadjian’s position is less about rules and more about trust.

“You want people to be present,” he said. “But if they want to record, that’s their moment, too.”

For now, he’s not looking to enforce anything. He’s more interested in creating music and playing for crowds who care, phones out or not.

Seven Hours After Violet, Odadjian’s new band, continues to tour and release new music. Meanwhile, System of a Down’s return to the stage is reminding fans why they fell in love with the group in the first place.

Bottom line? Phones will likely keep lighting up during concerts, fans might be texting a friend, recording a favorite song, or posting to social media.

Odadjian’s fine with that, as long as people are enjoying the music.

“If you’re into it, that’s what matters.”

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