When I used to do FOH sound I always used the "mute" button next to the volume fader !
If artists start mucking around with on/off switches stuff stops working at inopportune times, cues are missed and people get shouted at. This is usually because the person on the stage has forgotten to turn the mic on after turning it off.
I put gaffer tape over on/off switches these days.
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my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS