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Jack White Bans Cellphones At Concerts For '100% Human Experience' (nme.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the phone-free dept.

Singer and guitarist Jack White has banned the use of mobile phones at upcoming live shows. NME reports that the policy will be strictly enforced, requiring concert-goers to lock up their smartphones in pouches." From the report: White embarks on a tour of the U.S. from April, with a statement announcing that shows would be "phone-free," confirming: "No photos, video or audio recording devices allowed." "We think you'll enjoy looking up from your gadgets for a little while and experience music and our shared love of it IN PERSON," the statement adds. "Upon arrival at the venue, all phones and other photo or video-capturing gizmos will be secured in a Yondr pouch that will be unlocked at the end of the show. You keep your pouch-secured phone on you during the show and, if needed, can unlock your phone at any time in a designated Yondr Phone Zone located in the lobby or concourse." "For those looking to do some social media postings, let us help you with that. Our official tour photographer will be posting photos and videos after the show... Repost our photos & videos as much as you want and enjoy a phone-free, 100% human experience."

4 of 294 comments (clear)

  1. Re:is this from the artist himself by Luthair · · Score: 4, Informative

    I would be shocked if it wasn't Jack White making the decision. The record labels don't give a shit since from their perspective touring is just marketing for album sales / streaming.

  2. Re:This is a good precedent! by Gojira+Shipi-Taro · · Score: 3, Informative

    THere's zero chance that it will. Even though I don't use my phone during shows, the sheer inconvenience of this process ensures that I would never attend a show in which it was required. I'm certain I'm far from alone here.

    This is a marginal at best artist sniffing his own farts.

    --
    "Oh my God. This is terrible. This is the end of my Presidency. I'm fucked."; ~ Donald J. Trump
  3. Re:Cell phones used as CGMS devices by Pahroza · · Score: 3, Informative

    Bullshit on your horseshit. Nobody is forcing you to go see a show if your life is dependent on your use of your cellphone. They aren't taking it away and refusing to give it back the second you walk through the door. You can still say "no thanks, my life depends upon this device and I'd rather keep it, I'll move on and would like a refund, thank you"

  4. Re:Let's watch by No+Longer+an+AC · · Score: 3, Informative

    I would mod this up if I hadn't already commented, but I would point out that the link posted does go to a certain type of band....

    The Grateful Dead is the first one listed and they even had taper sections cordoned off back in the day. Bring your tape decks and mike stands! We'll put you in your own little section.

    I do love watching videos and listening to audio recordings of shows I've been to....especially if it wasn't me who went to the hassle of recording them.

    I see Steve Kimock is also listed in that link.....this sort of reminds me of that time he went off on an audience and told some people to STFU.

    "Seriously, man it's fucking rude. Get your money back and go home. I don't care. Shut the fuck up!"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

    I've got the full recording of that show somewhere. The talkers in the audience who weren't even paying attention to the music were pretty bad.

    Link to the whole show:

    https://archive.org/details/sk...

    IMO, he came across as being a bit petulant but I've also had to change seats in theaters just to avoid people talking over the music so I can sympathize some. And to his credit, Kimock put up with it for over 90 minutes before he lost it.