Do cell phones have a place at concerts?
Some artists ban smartphones on tour. Others tolerate them but resent them. Should they be banned outright? The editorial staff of the Bavarian newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung is divided on this issue.
Bob Dylan has banned cell phones from his concerts for years. The heavy metal band Ghost sealed them in bags for their world tour. And the series of outdoor concerts organized in August by rapper Rin and singer Schmyt is called “No Phones Allowed.” Cameras and cell phones will be blinded with stickers.
All artists obviously have the right to set the rules for their concerts. If they are bothered by being filmed or photographed, or if such behavior seems disrespectful to them, that sentiment must be respected. Yet, this is rarely the reason given.
Dylan, Ghost, Rin, Schmyt, and others claim that these mobile phone recordings would ruin the live experience for fans. While this invasive attention may be irritating, at least these artists make their rules clear when tickets go on sale for their concerts. So, there's no obligation to attend if you don't like it.
The most annoying are those who tweak their shows down to the smallest detail to meet Instagram standards – with oversized sets, special effects and fireworks – and then come and complain.
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