*
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    


No European Championship in England in 2028

January 24 • A difficult funding landscape sees BBE withdraw from hosting the European Championship in Birmingham in 2028


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Meadeuphs

Euph and baritone prelude to RNCM Festival

January 22 • The RNCM Euphonium & Baritone Ensemble will provide the musical aperitif for the weekend of concert performances and discussions in Manchester.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band invites applications for the position of Musical Director.. The band rehearse every Thursday evening from 1930 - 2130 . The Musical Director will take a leadership role working with the senior band and will liaise with the training ban


Alan Duguid

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd