They're going to ban Smartphone use at shows

ikiT said:

Those phones don't make you smart.

And they take crappy images of concerts!!! ....

Besides instances of a medical emergency or some kind of danger, no concert has ever been improved by security getting more involved.

dr122931 said:

When jack white did this in houston, it made the show so much better.  Getting the phones out of the bag was seamless and didn’t require any waiting.   That said, it makes it difficult for people to attend under circumstances.  Imagine if your spouse is pregnant or you have a sick relative.  I was able to do it, but had the show been two months earlier (while my wife was pregnant) I wouldn’t have been able to attend.  One of my friends wasn’t able to attend because he needed to be able to access his phone due to a relative with health issues.  Other people may have work issues.  

In short, I love the idea in theory, but in reality it can have some unintended consequences for people attending.  (Yes, you can easily unlock phone, but it’s not feasible to go to lobby and check it every 10 minutes). 

At the end of the day, no matter how Jack or Maynard might spin it, it better serves the artist than the fans IMO.  I'm not saying no fans gain a benefit, but your comment is on point.  There are downsides to it.  But there are no downsides for the artist.  

mrussel1 said:

dr122931 said:

When jack white did this in houston, it made the show so much better.  Getting the phones out of the bag was seamless and didn’t require any waiting.   That said, it makes it difficult for people to attend under circumstances.  Imagine if your spouse is pregnant or you have a sick relative.  I was able to do it, but had the show been two months earlier (while my wife was pregnant) I wouldn’t have been able to attend.  One of my friends wasn’t able to attend because he needed to be able to access his phone due to a relative with health issues.  Other people may have work issues.  

In short, I love the idea in theory, but in reality it can have some unintended consequences for people attending.  (Yes, you can easily unlock phone, but it’s not feasible to go to lobby and check it every 10 minutes). 

At the end of the day, no matter how Jack or Maynard might spin it, it better serves the artist than the fans IMO.  I'm not saying no fans gain a benefit, but your comment is on point.  There are downsides to it.  But there are no downsides for the artist.  

Let me preface this by saying that I have two kids and I have totally been in the shoes (twice) of someone who needed to be attentive to my cell phone when it got down to the days before delivery.  With that said, I have a hard time using that somewhat rare occurrence (a pregnant spouse and tickets to show) to argue against a cell phone ban inside the venue.  It is a bit like everything today....we forego doing the democratic and right thing because a very small percentage of the populace may be inconvenienced.  

It isn't people checking their phones for status updates on pregnancy, health issues or work concerns that has made this proposed action an interesting topic of discussion.  It has everything to do with people filming entire songs....or worse, periscoping the show in its' entirety, that has a lot of people happily acting like Luddites and wishing for a time (at least for a couple of hours) before cell phones.  

JimmyV said:

Banning cell phones isn't going to stop annoying people from being annoying. Someone who doesn't have the courtesy or sense to turn their screen brightness down and hold the phone at a low angle that doesn't block the people behind them is unlikely to worry much about other aspects of concert etiquette.

But 10,000 4-7" screens won't be glowing at peak brightness all night long.

annoying people at concerts really piss me off but usually i'm so high i forget to really care about them

huntersthompson said:

Lerxst1992 said:

PSUS2H said:

huntersthompson said:

I am probably reiterating something someone said earlier, but Jack White has people put them into a magnetically locked "Yonder" pouch.  Saw him in SF....no phones....it was the best....

Yes yes yes!  You can scan your ticket on the way in, and lock it up and enjoy the show.    

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. 

Speking from limited experience, I can offer the following:

The process of getting into the show (Jack White) was seemless.  You have to take you phone out to go through the metal detector...on the other side they have you put it into the yonder pouch and "lock" it.  The only hold up was when people balked....with that said, it was clear when you bought the tickets that it was a cell free enviornment.  On the way out there was a device that you set the pouch on, popped off the magnetic lock and were on your way.  If it added 20 seconds to my night I may be overstating it.  

People were not dope-ily looking at their phones pre-show...they actually interacted, had conversations, drank beer...together.  A positive experience all the way around.  Btw, if you needed to make a call....you could go into an area in the foyer and unlock the phone.....but when you left they clicked it close again....

Thanks for the info.  20 seconds is impressive.  Seems it takes forever to leave shows. They must have alot of stations to unlock?

JimmyV said:

Banning cell phones isn't going to stop annoying people from being annoying. Someone who doesn't have the courtesy or sense to turn their screen brightness down and hold the phone at a low angle that doesn't block the people behind them is unlikely to worry much about other aspects of concert etiquette.

Couldn't agree more. I almost got killed at PJ MSG 2003 bc the strong looking dude in front of me would not stop chatting with his date for the first half hour. When I begged they enjoy the band the guy was seriously gonna deck me. I pleaded "dude we both love PJ - let's rock out" He smiled and was courteous the rest of the show

Same thing happened at Radiohead last year except the dude would ignore my begging and wouldn't shut up for a long time.

 At least if they have a phone there is a chance it could keep them quiet. 

I just dont get those who go to shows to yap over the bands.

I'm really surprised so many people are against this idea. It's great everyone has an opinion though!