*
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    


Foden's Band

Report & Result: 2026 British Open Championship

September 12 • Foden's led by Russell Gray claim the 172nd British Open with music making of the richest emotion.


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


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


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require a percussionist. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall, with a wide array of percussion instruments permanently set-up, have a growing schedule of concerts, contests and social events.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require an Eb bass player. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall in Rugby, the band has a growing schedule of concerts and contests as well as social events.


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 14 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd