They're going to ban Smartphone use at shows

tdawe

Dang, when I saw this thread at the top I figured people were discussing last night's Raconteurs show at Hammerstein (I'm going tonight). 

I understand where Jack is coming from and I've been to a couple of shows where they used the Yondr pouches and it's fine by me. My initial fear was that it would make getting out of the venue a nightmare as everyone had to stop to get their phones unlocked, but that turned out not to be a problem at all. I usually do snap one or two photos at the beginning of the show but can definitely live without those (I also think it's cool that the Racs are selling pro photos from each show via their website). 

The people who keep their phones up for entire shows don't really bother me - I just feel bad for them really. To me, the entire point of going to a rock show or similar event is to be present in that moment, and I don't really understand why people feel the need to experience it through their phones even in real time (although I suspect that if I were more active - which is to say active at all - on facebook/twitter/instagram I'd probably understand it a lot more). But I don't really let it bother me or detract from my enjoyment of the event.

My favorite one ever was at Derek Jeter's final game at Yankee Stadium - by the time Jeter hit his walk-off single (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChQcMsWK-ek) the guy in front of me had long since killed his phone and watched the big moment through (I'm not making this up) a Nintendo 3DS.

Jason7192

JimmyV said:

Jason7192 said:

mace1229 said:

Pearl Jam will have to abandon their latest method of handling tickets if they plan to do any sort of ban. They were essentially required to get into the shows last summer.
I find the 2 extremes a little amusing.

When I saw Jack White at Nashville last fall, the show was mobile-entry only. As soon as you scanned your ticket on your phone, it went in a pouch. It worked out pretty smooth & didn't cause much of a delay. By doing it that way, it helps to ensure that all phones get sealed up. It was nice to not have any distractions during the show & focus 100% on the artist.

Was this an all GA show? This sounds like a nightmare for people trying to remember where there seats are. Or did you get something back once your phone was scanned with that info on it?

We had reserved seats. I can't remember if they gave us a printout, or if they just had some scrap paper there we could use to write down our seat location. I think it may have been the latter. I don't recall it being an issue though.

nycrats

tdawe said:

Dang, when I saw this thread at the top I figured people were discussing last night's Raconteurs show at Hammerstein (I'm going tonight). 

I understand where Jack is coming from and I've been to a couple of shows where they used the Yondr pouches and it's fine by me. My initial fear was that it would make getting out of the venue a nightmare as everyone had to stop to get their phones unlocked, but that turned out not to be a problem at all. I usually do snap one or two photos at the beginning of the show but can definitely live without those (I also think it's cool that the Racs are selling pro photos from each show via their website). 

The people who keep their phones up for entire shows don't really bother me - I just feel bad for them really. To me, the entire point of going to a rock show or similar event is to be present in that moment, and I don't really understand why people feel the need to experience it through their phones even in real time (although I suspect that if I were more active - which is to say active at all - on facebook/twitter/instagram I'd probably understand it a lot more). But I don't really let it bother me or detract from my enjoyment of the event.

My favorite one ever was at Derek Jeter's final game at Yankee Stadium - by the time Jeter hit his walk-off single (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChQcMsWK-ek) the guy in front of me had long since killed his phone and watched the big moment through (I'm not making this up) a Nintendo 3DS.

Same, I was at the show and was hoping to hear some chatter. It was a great show, you’ll have fun tonight. 

He came  out SUPER high energy and wanted the crowd to be as well, and the no phones helped achieve that. He was like a mad man all “come on! Is this New York City or what!? “Etc etc. eventually leveled off but still played a lot of rock n roll. Crazy to think how Little Rock n roll there is these days and he’s doing his best to keep it from being an endangered species. 

The pouches were easy and a non event as far as delays etc, my only issue was I have a family member with health issues so there’s always a potential for an emergency. Low risk but it’s on my mind, fortunately my friend had an Apple Watch and I passed along his number, any emergencies he would have gotten a text. 

Actually speaking of watches, it was pretty funny, no one around us knew the time. 
And speaking of phones I dropped something on a ga floor and got very lucky to find it, so if you’re going to a ga phone free show, consider having a watch, a small pocket flashlight and maybe a cellular watch in your group if need be for emergencies ha

tdawe

nycrats said:

Same, I was at the show and was hoping to hear some chatter. It was a great show, you’ll have fun tonight. 

Well you were right - that was a great rock show. Shout out to the guy in front of me with the PJ Chicago ‘18 t shirt. 

nycrats

tdawe said:

nycrats said:

Same, I was at the show and was hoping to hear some chatter. It was a great show, you’ll have fun tonight. 

Well you were right - that was a great rock show. Shout out to the guy in front of me with the PJ Chicago ‘18 t shirt. 

Awesome
did you notice more random people engagement waiting for the show as no one had a phone?

MP188882

For those of us criticizing Jack or PJ for not being able to "engage" their audience to stay off their phones, you're not being very realistic.

It's really hard to compete with a universe of information and entertainment in the palm of someone's hand. Not everyone attends a show because they are a fan who bought tickets, it's probably more often because a friend or spouse or family member is a fan, went to the trouble of getting tickets, and wants to share the show experience with that person who wouldn't otherwise go. That portion of the audience is probably bigger than most of us would initially guess. In that circumstance, it's an uphill battle for any artist to engage 100% of the audience or even a sizable majority, when the alternative is a stream of information, entertainment, real life flowing through your personal device. 

No matter what anyone says, the communal experience of a live concert is part of the appeal. MSG II 1998 would not have been the same if 70% of the audience were recording all the "Breath" signs held aloft. Artists have the right to choose what kind of environment they want for the presentation of their work and for their audience. The rest of us have the choice about whether we want to go to consume that work. So if Jack White wants phones locked up, I wish him the best of luck in creating the experience he wants for his art and his fans. Don't go to the Jack White concert if you can't be without your phone while attending the performance. 

JimmyV

I don't want artists telling me to get off their lawn, particularly not after they have charged me hundreds of dollars to stand there. 

huntersthompson

MP188882 said:

For those of us criticizing Jack or PJ for not being able to "engage" their audience to stay off their phones, you're not being very realistic.

It's really hard to compete with a universe of information and entertainment in the palm of someone's hand. Not everyone attends a show because they are a fan who bought tickets, it's probably more often because a friend or spouse or family member is a fan, went to the trouble of getting tickets, and wants to share the show experience with that person who wouldn't otherwise go. That portion of the audience is probably bigger than most of us would initially guess. In that circumstance, it's an uphill battle for any artist to engage 100% of the audience or even a sizable majority, when the alternative is a stream of information, entertainment, real life flowing through your personal device. 

No matter what anyone says, the communal experience of a live concert is part of the appeal. MSG II 1998 would not have been the same if 70% of the audience were recording all the "Breath" signs held aloft. Artists have the right to choose what kind of environment they want for the presentation of their work and for their audience. The rest of us have the choice about whether we want to go to consume that work. So if Jack White wants phones locked up, I wish him the best of luck in creating the experience he wants for his art and his fans. Don't go to the Jack White concert if you can't be without your phone while attending the performance. 

Amen Brother....amen.

AmishGuy91

JimmyV said:

I don't want artists telling me to get off their lawn, particularly not after they have charged me hundreds of dollars to stand there. 

Amen Brother....amen.

stickman

Hopefully this restriction is disclosed at the time of ticket purchase.

I agree phones at shows can be very annoying. However, forfeiting non intrusive use all evening, plus additional lines to lock and unlock phones - in addition to lines for security, ticket scans, concessions and rest rooms is something I would dread just as much as intrusive phone use.

Also its ironic how much some acts hate appearing on you tube. If they were less successful  their attitudes might be different. 

I saw The Raconteurs in Manhattan on Friday and again on Saturday in Brooklyn.  First and foremost they are an amazing band.  I gladly put my phone into the pouch both nights and didn’t worry about it.  Was great not having people taking useless videos and photos they are never gonna watch or look at holding their phones in my line of sight!  At either venue the whole “phone in a bag” thing didn’t slow me down at all on the way in or way out. Realize this Yoder bags are someone’s business,  I am sure they are finding ways to make it easier and quicker.  It was very easy.  I think I saw one person on night one with a phone, but they checked the time and put it away. 

Lerxst1992

Two fans are suing Madonna for showing up at 11.30 to perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

What makes this suit interesting was that since Madonna implemented the phone confiscation policy, the fans were left unable to make alternative late night travel plans and changes to their child care the next day. They appear to have legitimate damages.

I started reading the article thinking it was absurd, but the phone confiscation made it very interesting.

https://www.tmz.com/2020/02/03/madonna-sued-late-start-time-brooklyn-new-york-class-action-madame-x/

Spiritual_Chaos

Lerxst1992 said:

Two fans are suing Madonna for showing up at 11.30 to perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

What makes this suit interesting was that since Madonna implemented the phone confiscation policy, the fans were left unable to make alternative late night travel plans and changes to their child care the next day. They appear to have legitimate damages.

I started reading the article thinking it was absurd, but the phone confiscation made it very interesting.

https://www.tmz.com/2020/02/03/madonna-sued-late-start-time-brooklyn-new-york-class-action-madame-x/

This is very interesting, actually. 

mpedone

tschav said:

Some background from Jack White on why he went the Yondr route:

"I don't care about the recording, I would think that actually is kind of cool, but what I don't like is the non-engagement. They're looking down and checking the sports scores and texting and stuff.

And then you can't clap, you can't clap back, and if you don't have a setlist, you need that, you need to engage with each other. I mean, it was just a period a few years ago where it was just starting to feel pointless to play live, there's just no engagement and no reaction."

More in the interview here:
https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/jack_white_explains_main_reason_why_he_banned_use_of_phones_at_his_shows.html

But, without my phone, how can I live tweet the show, and let all of my followers know everything that's happening??

"Eddie just addressed the crowd, and said... Well, I'm not sure, I'll post it when I get the bootleg and can hear better."

It sounds like the Yonder bag is the way to go. You still have the phone with you, so if you happen to have an emergency, you can still use the phone. Yes, you have to leave your seat, but you'd have to anyway. The bag gets locked after entering, so mobile entry is not an option, and most venues should be able to print you a seating slip after scanning your phone. I disagree with confiscating phones, but if PJ decided to go with the bags, I don't think I would complain.

PB11041

A smarter and more normal way for this to all work out (yet fundamentally unrealistic because, well humans) DO NOT fucking hold your phone up all show like a dim witted jackass that forgets there are many thousands of other people at the show.

The bigger the artist, event, the more goobers it seems to attract.

When I saw Mumford and Sons last March, I was not terribly astonished to find these people twirling around, filming themselves to post on facebook or instagram or wherever completely oblivious to the fact that they were not the show. 

I was actually shushing people like a bad stereotype of a librarian when the band was attempting to do their lo-fi unplugged in front of mic sets in the crowd.

But none of this is a surprise and was happening long before smartphones.  I had the same experience watching Ben Harper and the IC at Roseland in 1999.   Disinterested clods yapping and flapping their gums as if music wasn't happening.  

Snap some photos, hell even snag a video or three, I have done it.  But don't do it in a way that completely gets in anyone else's way.  

A satellite forever orbiting

PillowPants said:

I hope

i got shitty video but great audio in cincy in 2014. Only shot one song tho.




==================
So I went to a show recently... and was saddened by how many people spend their time trying to take pictures or video on their smartphone. Yet their success rate is close to zero.

It's usually the technologically challenged who are zooming way too far in and getting nothing but a blur.

What's the point?? Put down your phone and enjoy the show.

Your shitty video with horrendous audio really isn't worth me having to look around your stupid 8 inch screen.


Thoughts??

I got shitty video but great audio 6 years ago but only shot one song.

Lerxst1992

PB11041 said:

A smarter and more normal way for this to all work out (yet fundamentally unrealistic because, well humans) DO NOT fucking hold your phone up all show like a dim witted jackass that forgets there are many thousands of other people at the show.

The bigger the artist, event, the more goobers it seems to attract.

When I saw Mumford and Sons last March, I was not terribly astonished to find these people twirling around, filming themselves to post on facebook or instagram or wherever completely oblivious to the fact that they were not the show. 

I was actually shushing people like a bad stereotype of a librarian when the band was attempting to do their lo-fi unplugged in front of mic sets in the crowd.

But none of this is a surprise and was happening long before smartphones.  I had the same experience watching Ben Harper and the IC at Roseland in 1999.   Disinterested clods yapping and flapping their gums as if music wasn't happening.  

Snap some photos, hell even snag a video or three, I have done it.  But don't do it in a way that completely gets in anyone else's way.  

Tool's method has worked. They had security kick out a few fans with no second chances at the first few shows and word spread quickly. Do not even think of raising your phone during the show.

For the last song they allow phones so everyone can take all the pics they want.

Treat fans like adults and perhaps they will act like adults.

mkeen411

I just saw Tool for the first time in Nashville and they have a strict “No photo or video” policy. They didn’t require you to lock your phone away but did threaten to throw you out if you were taking photos. The band then told the audience at the last song they could now take photos. Because of this I saw a very minimal use of cell phones during the show which was nice. 

I still don’t like the idea of a policy like this at a Pearl Jam show though. Maybe it’s because of the freedom they gave us to record bootlegs back in the day. 

I agree that I want everyone to put down their phones and be a part of the show. But I also want to be 25 again. I’ll deal with it and still enjoy the show. 

JimmyV

I remain steadfastly against any ban on cellphones that encourages overzealous security guards to barrel into the seats looking to confiscate a phone in the middle of a show. Ed's 2012 shows in Clearwater, FL were ridiculous in this regard.

Ledbetterman10

JimmyV said:

I remain steadfastly against any ban on cellphones that encourages overzealous security guards to barrel into the seats looking to confiscate a phone in the middle of a show. Ed's 2012 shows in Clearwater, FL were ridiculous in this regard.

Yeah that's not what you want. But the Jack White way worked well enough to me. They gave you a foam case when you entered that you locked your phone in, but you still keep it on in your pocket. There were designated areas to go to have it unlocked in case you really needed to use it, but otherwise, it stayed locked until you left the venue, and there were people at the door to unlock it for you on the way out. Overall, I liked it. 

Vedd Hedd

As a parent, i need my phone on me, and to feel the vibration if there is an emergency.

That said, I am constantly annoyed by the people texting, being on social media, etc.
Enjoy the moment, live for now.