Upcoming concerts

[LoathedVermin72]

The idea that the audience is "not present" because some people take pictures and video is just silly. Again, old man yells at cloud stuff. If phones bother you at a show, it sounds like you are the one who isn't paying attention to the music.

People are paying shitloads of money to see shows, let them enjoy it how they want to. I also like watching concert footage on YouTube and appreciate people who upload it.

[tree_]

certainly an opinion

[LoathedVermin72]

I really think it's a non-issue. I go to shows all the time and never once have phones bothered me. That said, I also don't go to shows for the audience or the "communal experience" or whatever. I'm there to see the artist.

[wease]

The idea that the audience is "not present" because some people take pictures and video is just silly. Again, old man yells at cloud stuff. If phones bother you at a show, it sounds like you are the one who isn't paying attention to the music.

People are paying shitloads of money to see shows, let them enjoy it how they want to. I also like watching concert footage on YouTube and appreciate people who upload it.

I actually find myself agreeing with you on this. I’ve certainly recorded a few songs here and there at some shows I’ve been to. Doesn’t mean I’m not there to enjoy the show. I just wanted to be able to see it again later.

[tree_]

i do agree it comes off as controlling and a little weird, but i also think it's kind of a cool bold choice for an artist to make, especially considering they know they will probably lose out on some money and reputation as a consequence, but they don't care, fuck phones and stuff

[Chris_H_2]

having a no-phones policy in an arena tour is a nightmare. we saw john mullaney at the united center (not great) a few years back, and trying to get your phone back after the show among 20,000 people doing the same sucked. i think it took us 45 minutes to get out of that sweaty, butts-to-nuts concourse.

[tree_]

i think i'd probably just leave my phone in the car or hotel room, or hide it in my underwear or up my butt

[LoathedVermin72]

having a no-phones policy in an arena tour is a nightmare. we saw john mullaney at the united center (not great) a few years back, and trying to get your phone back after the show among 20,000 people doing the same sucked. i think it took us 45 minutes to get out of that sweaty, butts-to-nuts concourse.

Yeah I can't even imagine the logistical nightmare this would be at a big venue. Some small comedy clubs around here use Yondr, which is fine - I get it for comedy shows, and it's a mild inconvenience at worst since the crowds aren't bad. But 20,000 people? Fucking hell

[LoathedVermin72]

i think i'd probably just leave my phone in the car or hotel room, or hide it in my underwear or up my butt

Except your ticket would probably be on your phone, so...

[Chris_H_2]

i think i'd probably just leave my phone in the car or hotel room, or hide it in my underwear or up my butt

but you need your phone to get in -- the tickets are all electronic now.

[tree_]

but my lollapalooza tickets are coming in the mail

[Chris_H_2]

see section 12(A)(4)(iv) for multi-day festival exceptions

[tree_]

but i'm only going on friday

[Chris_H_2]

it's all in section 12(A)(4)(iii). read the annotations.

[epilogue]

I spent $25 seeing Phoebe Bridgers in 2018, and $32 in 2021. I logged into her presale for Chicago yesterday and saw premium pricing for $510 seats, which is more than I spent on Taylor Swift tickets in 2023 when I saw Phoebe Bridgers and the rest of Boy Genius open. No way. I'm out.

I see your point and I don't disagree and I hate how inflated concert prices have become all around... but there are other options than premium seats. We're paying $120 in Brooklyn -- which, isn't nothing and more than it should cost, but also a shit ton less than $510. And our seats are awesome.

[LoathedVermin72]

Acid Bath and Chat Pile are playing here in September and I can't decide if I should go because I already saw them both twice last year. These are the tough decisions

[LoathedVermin72]

They are also five days apart and I already have two other events in that same two-week span...seems like a lot

[epilogue]

As far as the phone stuff goes... from an audience perspective, it's easy not to use your phone if you don't want to. I never pull my phone out during shows. Very good friends of mine do sometimes. I think we both have whatever experiences we want to have. So, I agree with the "let people have the experience they want" argument.

But I also can't speak to the artist's experience. As a former performer, I bet there is something to phones being a barrier. I have a few experiences where that has been the case, even for me in the audience. And I do think as a culture we've forgotten how to just sit int he moment and be present with a piece of art. So, I see both sides of the argument.

I have no issue locking up my phone for Phoebe, but I also see how it's an inconvenience and maybe over the top. Honestly, in my experience, people talking non-stop during shows is way more of a barrier to enjoyment. But that may also be a New York thing.

[Birds in Hell]

I really think it's a non-issue. I go to shows all the time and never once have phones bothered me. That said, I also don't go to shows for the audience or the "communal experience" or whatever. I'm there to see the artist.

Strong agree.

[tree_]

As far as the phone stuff goes... from an audience perspective, it's easy not to use your phone if you don't want to. I never pull my phone out during shows. Very good friends of mine do sometimes. I think we both have whatever experiences we want to have. So, I agree with the "let people have the experience they want" argument.

But I also can't speak to the artist's experience. As a former performer, I bet there is something to phones being a barrier. I have a few experiences where that has been the case, even for me in the audience. And I do think as a culture we've forgotten how to just sit int he moment and be present with a piece of art. So, I see both sides of the argument.

I have no issue locking up my phone for Phoebe, but I also see how it's an inconvenience and maybe over the top. Honestly, in my experience, people talking non-stop during shows is way more of a barrier to enjoyment. But that may also be a New York thing.

perhaps artists should have the option of duct taping their audience's mouths shut