*
banner

Mobile annoyance comes with a live-event caveat

A new survey suggests that lots of people don't like others recording with their mobile phones at live events — even though they do it themselves...

Mobile
  It seems people don't like other using their mobiles to record, even though they do it themselves...

A new survey has found that 70% of audience members attending live-events are irritated by people using their mobile phones to take pictures and videos of the performances according to research by Eventbrite.

However, with more than a little touch or irony, the same percentage of people stated that they love to record their own 'highlights' for themselves, with a further 55% admitting that they also share images and videos on social media.

Ban

Despite the problems of being able to monitor the illegal recordings during the live events the research comes after major stars such as Madonna, Beyonce, Adele, Bob Dylan and John Mayer have started to ban mobile phones at their concerts.

Major venues are increasingly informing audience members that if they do not adhere to the legal insistence published as part of their ticket purchase, they will be asked to delete images, asked to leave the auditorium or will be subject to legal action if images or video are made public.

Bag it

Concert goers though are in support of the request saying that phones should be muted then put in their bag or pocket. 70% of those questioned said that mobile phone use during a live performance for taking pictures, live streaming and recording 'is getting too much', with 50% saying it got them 'very annoyed'.

However, there seems to be a consensus (81%) that mobile phones do have their uses at live gigs in navigating the event, viewing schedules, making reservations, and purchasing tickets.

Earlier research found that women were more likely than men to take photos and videos (56% versus 41%) and a large majority of respondents understood why an artist might not like videoing and photographing at the event .

At the same time, the 'do as I say, don't do as I do' attitude that we encountered in our survey is a part of the problemEventbrite

Do as I say, don't do as I do

Sebastian Boppert from Eventbrite who commissioned the research stated: "No one likes having their view blocked by a forest of arms and a sea of bright screens. At the same time, the 'do as I say, don't do as I do' attitude that we encountered in our survey is a part of the problem.

If you want to be in the moment and enjoy the magic of a live experience unspoilt by mobile phones, you may need to take the first step and leave your phone in your pocket — in flight mode, please!"

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd