*
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    


yOUTH cHAMPS

Filling up time for Youth Championships

September 25 • There has been a great early response from youth bands and ensembles wishing to be a part of the 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.


jACKLIN

Bingham to take baton for first National Children's Band of Northern Ireland

September 25 • Jacklin Bingham will lead the first ever National Children's Band of Northern Ireland — with applications now open to become a founder member.


Brassbandworld

Landmark issue for Brass Band World out now

September 25 • The 350th edition of Brass Band World magazine has just been published.


BBCA

Kerwin and Harper to lead BBCA seminars

September 25 • Tabby Kerwin and Philip Harper will host interactive seminars as guests of the Brass Band Conductors' Association in October and November.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Barnsley Brass

September 25 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room.


East London Brass

September 24 • Percussion - East London Brass are seeking an enthusiastic percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious band. Great music, regular rehearsals and a welcoming atmosphere. Interested? Get in touch for more details!


Epping Forest Band

September 23 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd