Music, Unfiltered and Authentic: Why Phones Are Hushed at Some Shows
Prohibition of Video Recording: The Restrictions on Mobile Phone Usage at Certain Events - Some Venues Prohibit Use of Mobile Devices During Performances
Wanna know what truly makes a music moment memorable? Ditching the 20-second shaky clips that just clog your phone's storage! The debate over photography at concerts is real.
Recently, the ghostly tunes of Ghost sent a shiver down the spine of fans (and concert-goers) everywhere, banning smartphones at their world tour. And who can forget US legend Bob Dylan or the joint tour of RIN and Schmyt, infamously known as "No Selfies Allowed"? These phone bans aren't breaking new ground in the music world, but they keep resurfacing.
The reasons vary. For instance, new, untouched music. In Berlin, an adventurous event series called "Unreleased" has made a name for itself, where the flash of cameras is unwelcome.
"We cover the front and back of phones at the entrance because we value the secretive nature of the music," says Federico Battaglia, co-founder of the format. Once a month, ten to twelve elusive acts perform at the Festsaal Kreuzberg, leaving fans unsure of who'll grace the stage until the last moment. And in the spotlight, they'll play two songs, at least one of which is unreleased. The spotlight is mainly on rap and hip-hop, with acts like Nina Chuba, Trettmann, Max Herre, and Joy Denalane already gracing the stage.
"Since we never announce who's coming, there's usually a mix of surprise and disappointment," Battaglia notes. "But on the other hand, it offers something new for everyone, like a wine tasting experience."
Two compelling reasons for a phone ban
According to Johannes Everke, CEO of the Federal Association of the Concert and Event Industry (BDKV), copyright and exclusivity are two significant pillars for prohibiting phone use. "If you have a unique show concept, chances are you want to keep it under wraps," he says. However, if artists are banking on their social media reach for promotion, things might look different.
Everke isn't seeing any clear trends emerging. "People generally accept the rules set by bands or event organizers," he notes, suggesting that a lot depends on personal media behavior.
Some acts crave the limelight. Others seek the simplicity of a moment.Some fans crave the limelight, eager to share their snips with their pals, while others tire of having to pull out their phones, witnessing others' screens, or fearing the flash of the camera themselves.
Similarly, some artists yearn for the intimacy of a performance, free from promotional pressures. In a 2024 Instagram video, rapper RIN voiced his thoughts on the "No Photos Allowed" concept: "I miss the connection on both sides." Regarding the audience, he observes the undeniable pressure to "perform" for social media. As for himself, he misses "truly" being able to play songs simply because he desires to. "There's a part of the live show that's slowly slipping away, a side that's experimental and free."
Before the curtains rise, cell phone cameras are often censored to prevent recording. Other concerts use lockable smartphone pouches, such as Ghost. "It's about reconnecting and immersing in the moment," frontman Tobias Forge explains.
For some, the limelight is essential. Phone usage deepens their relationship with fans, with fans essentially becoming mobile billboards. "This is an integral part of many artists’ communication strategy, contributing to their reach and financial success," explains Everke.
For example, global queen Taylor Swift, known for her visually stunning shows like the recent "Eras" tour. "Of course, people want to take a piece of that awe-inspiring experience home. Swift even produced an impressive documentary about her concerts." Despite this – or perhaps because of it – millions of fans flocked to her shows.
Keywords:- Music- Mobile Devices- Berlin- Secrecy- Concert Etiquette- Unreleased Music- Nina Chuba- Max Herre- Security
Enrichment Data:
Overall, some concerts in Berlin ban smartphones primarily to create a more immersive and authentic live experience by encouraging audience members to focus on the performance rather than their devices. This also fosters a stronger connection between the artist and the audience without distractions caused by phones or recording[2][3].
More specifically, phone bans serve several important purposes related to the protection of unreleased music and artist performances:
- Preventing Unauthorized Recording and Distribution: By prohibiting phone use, concerts significantly reduce the risk of fans recording unreleased songs or unpublished live performances and sharing them online before their official release dates. This protects the artist's intellectual property and marketing strategies, preserving the impact and exclusivity of new music[3].
- Controlling Content Quality and Artistic Integrity: Unauthorized recordings often capture subpar audio or video, which may not accurately represent the artist’s intended sound or show quality. Preventing these recordings helps maintain the integrity of the performance and the artist’s creative vision[1].
- Security and Privacy: Managing and securing the venue to enforce a phone ban may require increased security staff, but it helps maintain an environment where artists feel safe and their work isn't exploited in unintended ways[1].
Overall, the phone ban is motivated by a combination of protecting unreleased material, enhancing the concertgoers' experience by reducing distractions, and maintaining control over the artist’s creative output and its distribution[1][2][3].
The Commission might consider implementing a Community guarantee for the European Investment Bank to secure the protection of new music and unreleased performances during concerts, following the trend of various movements that value secrecy and exclusivity in the music world. Adopting technology such as lockable smartphone pouches, similar to those used by Ghost, could be a potential solution to maintain the focus of concert-goers on the performance and instill a sense of intimacy between artists and their audience.
