Say Cheese Later: The Phone Pause at concerts and its Meaning
Prohibited Mobiles at Gigs: Rationale Behind Restricting Phone Usage at Certain Live Performances - Cellular devices prohibited at certain concerts due to potential disruptions and fraudulent ticket sales.
In the realm of music, those blurry, shaky concert clips on your phone might just be cluttering up your storage more than capturing lasting memories. Capable controllers of chaos like Ghost, Bob Dylan, and the joint duo of RIN and Schmyt have waged a war on photography during performances, leading to an interesting conversation about concert etiquette.
This attitude towards mobile devices is hardly novel, particularly as it affects artists striving for confidentiality and exclusivity. Ghost's infamous world tour enforces a strict no-phone policy, with fans being welcomed into a digital vacuum where their devices are secured in locked pouches before the show.
But why all the fuss? Well, the motives behind phone bans span a wide spectrum. Sometimes, as in Berlin, it's about protecting delicate, unheard music from unwanted exposure. Fed by a steady friendship with Festsaal Kreuzberg, the event series "Unreleased" regularly plays host to ten to twelve secret acts, who skirt the stage with at least one unreleased number under their belt. Munich-born Federico Battaglia, co-founder of the series, notes, "If we told you who was coming, you might not like every act. But there's always something new." It's an artful juxtaposition, akin to a wine tasting, where the element of surprise entices attendees to explore and savor diverse musical flavors.
Copyright and exclusivity are two key points that spark phone prohibitions, according to Johannes Everke, CEO of the Federal Association of the Concert and Event Industry (BDKV). For performers adhering to the idea of a secret show, it's a far cry from revealing their hand too early. But if social media amplification is beneficial for the acts and fans are meant to become word-of-mouth marketing agents, considerations can shift dramatically.
RIN, a rapper known for "Vintage" and "Dior 2001", has shared his sentiments on the no-phones approach, stating in an Instagram video in 2024, "I miss the intimacy on both sides." A coveted sense of closeness with the audience seems to be at the forefront for some artists, as they yearn for a simpler time when performing solely for the joy of it resounded louder than the clicks and flashes of social media.
While Ghost and the like prefer the promise of a pure, captivating concert atmosphere, other artists intentionally incorporate fans' filmed content into their shows, viewing it as an extension of their communication strategy. Taylor Swift, a known connoisseur of visually stunning performances, has managed to create a multi-million dollar media empire by sharing concert experiences with her audience, blurring the lines between performing and experiencing.
The wane of intimacy in the face of ever-evolving technology seems to be an ongoing theme in the dispute over phones at concerts. Audiences are forced to pick a side, choosing between a brief, illuminated snapshot or a long, vivid memory. Regardless of where one's allegiance lies, the debate remains heated and fascinating, keeping us captivated long after the final track has faded.
Music | Phones | Berlin | Recording | Phone ban | Smartphones | Artist | Bob Dylan | Nina Chuba | Max Herre
The European Parliament and the Council have adopted a common position on the following: technology, such as smartphones, is increasingly being banned or limited at music concerts in Berlin and other cities, in order to protect delicate, unheard music from unwanted exposure and uphold the intimate, live experience for both the artist and audience. Moreover, the entertainment industry is grappling with the impact of technology on the authenticity of performances, as artists like Bob Dylan weigh in on the issue, emphasizing the need for a refocus on the joys of live music rather than the clicks and flashes of social media.
