The Phoneless Concert Dilemma

For years there has been ongoing commentary that concerts have become a sea of phones,with audiences watching live performances through their screens. It is undeniable that smartphones have become a go-to for preserving moments and capturing snapshots of our lives. One example of this is filming concerts in their entirety. I was a firm believer that there was nothing wrong with recording, and that concerts were meant to be remembered in full. 

The problem with my opinion was that I was 10-years-old when I attended my last concert. That changed on July 21, when I saw the band Ghost in person. The concert, however, was disclosed as a phoneless experience. 

The announcement from the band's official ticket sale website sparked strong opinions on both sides. TikTok user @diixamond raised a valid critique under a post discussing the news, “I’m not spending all this money in this economy to see someone live and I can’t at least take home one memory.” 

Average midsection seats range from $120 to $300 per ticket. When I purchased my tickets, I chose the nosebleed section, the highest and furthest area away from the stage. Nosebleed seats at TD Garden were about $80 each through Ticketmaster. For two tickets, the total was a little over $160 with tax and online fees. The cost of attending a concert only increases when you factor in the average overnight price of a hotel, Amtrak travel prices and the potential purchase merchandise. 

Photo by: Abigail Riggins

There is no doubt that concerts are no longer as easily affordable and accessible as they used to be. The frustration of being unable to document the event you spend so much money on is an understandable grievance. 

Safety concerns have also filled social media in the wake of the band’s decision. There is always a risk for potential injury in large crowds. From the 2017 Ariana Grande concert attack in Manchester to the 2021 tragedy at the Astroworld Festival in the United States, there is a valid concern about concertgoers not having access to their devices in emergencies. 

At my first concert without my parents, I had the same concerns as I queued in line to get my phone locked in a Yondr pouch. 

A Yondr pouch is a small cloth pocket that you place your phone into that magnetically locks. To unlock the pouch, you must leave the venue and find an unlocking station to retrieve your phone. The pouch must be locked again before you can re-enter the concert. 

The moment I couldn’t access my phone, I felt uneasy. However, there was not one area of the venue without at least four security guards stationed to help concertgoers find their seats and access exits. The event had one of the calmest and most controlled crowds I have experienced. TD Garden took necessary precautions such as metal detection, banning large bags and keeping the crowd in orderly lines. I had never felt safer in such a populated area. 

The undeniable care and thorough planning on the venue’s part eased and put to rest the common fears many people had when confronted with the phone ban. 

In the midst of this debate, I find myself seeing only the positives of a phoneless concert. While I can’t remember every detail of the concert, one thing I do remember is how connected everyone seemed to be. Hours before the venue doors opened, the streets were filled with fans interacting with one another. All that could be heard were people complimenting each other's hair, outfits, makeup and costumes. Strangers bonded over their excitement and love for Ghost’s music. While I was too shy to join in, others spent their time taking photos with one another and trading pins and bracelets. The knowledge of a phoneless concert inspired fans to make memories in different ways–by connecting with one another. 

I can admit, as we waited for Ghost to get on stage, I was bored and itching to open my phone. Instead, my sister and I quickly took to people watching as I talked her ear off about the band’s lore and set list choice. 

What was truly mesmerizing was when the music revved up and the band walked out on stage. There was no sea of lit screens disturbing the mood lighting. It was intense as everyone's eyes adjusted to the darkness and not one person lifted a phone above their head, blocking the view of the row behind them. Nearly 14,000 people’s eyes were glued to the stage, rather than their cameras making sure they filmed every perfect angle. 

The crowd's response to the lead singer was even louder. So focused on what's in front of them, the audience’s participation during call and response moments was both intense and magical at the same time. 

Tobias Forge, the lead singer, stated multiple times during interviews and social media posts that his choice of phoneless concerts makes him feel more connected to the audience. It’s clear that it must be an easier time performing to a captivated audience rather than singing to screens. 

While I would have loved a video of my favorite song performed live for a memory keepsake (I refused to take out a loan for concert merchandise), I am grateful that I was forced to experience it with zero distraction.

Through all the discourse about the phone ban during the concert tour, I think the lack of phones made the experience all the more memorable. Living “Rite Here Rite Now”–you’re welcome Ghost fans–made this truly a special occasion.