It's an almost daily occurrence at concerts. Holding up your phone to film and share photos or videos on social networks. It's a habit that annoys some concert-goers who want to enjoy the show to the full, but also, and above all, some artists.
On October 11, Nick Cave made no secret of his displeasure with certain fans and their excessive use of smartphones. At a show in Krakow, Poland, the artist asked the front-row audience to put away their phones. " Listen. It's fine, you can film a little, but are you going to do that all night? Just a little bit? How about we all film me now, are you ready? And then put your phones away.
Many other artists share this point of view. Chrissie Hynde is one of them. The Pretenders ' singer is also one of those artists who have had enough of cell phones during concerts. In a message posted on her social networks, the artist declared: "(As always), I apologize for asking people to put their phones away. I realize now that it's apparently impossible to explain how distracting phones are. However, I know I'm not alone. Some artists have asked for phones to be bagged throughout the show. (I think Dylan does this) It may be the only way."
In concert at La Seine musicale on October 24 and 25, Bob Dylan decided to ban all smartphones from the venue during the show. Audience members were asked to leave their precious items in a secure, locked phone pouch, which they kept with them throughout the evening.
On its website, the Seine musicale venue explained: " Having created this phone-free experience on recent tours, we think it creates better moments for everyone involved. Our eyes open a little more and our senses are a little sharper when we lose the technological crutch we've become accustomed to. And yes, it's a non-negotiable agreement (although medical exemptions are made for those who rely on their phones for treatment) ". A concept appreciated by many in the moment, but one that can be discouraging to many. After all, once the concert is over, it can be a long wait before the famous cover is returned.
Ghost, the Swedish heavy metal band who have just announced a world tour and a concert in Paris in 2025, have also announced a " phone-free " experience. In an interview with Rock Sound last June, bandleader Tobias Forge declared that the phone-free concerts in Los Angeles were " the best Ghost shows ever ".
Rapper Kalash's concert at La Cigale in 2025 will also be mobile phone-free.
Before them, other artists have banned phones, including Jack White and Alicia Keys, as well as Dinos. For his part, Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan has opted for a more radical method: expelling people from his concerts who take photos or videos with their phones, despite the ban.
In the coming months and years, many other artists are likely to give in to the phone-free concert trend. A choice that may disappoint some, but ultimately offers a much more appreciated and memorable experience.
What do you think? For or against banning cell phones at concerts?
