Smart phones are a dumb idea at concerts

Went to both nights of U2 in Pasadena.

The 2nd night I had GA Floor. I worked hard to get 6 people back from the Tree, a secondary stage where they played about half the show. Got in line at 2, the gates didn’t open till 5. Toughed it out on the floor in front of the stage for another 3.5 hours until U2 came on. All in 90+ degree temperatures.

Both shows were off the charts great. They’re playing great – the band is tight, Bono can still hit the high notes. If you can, go see U2.

But here’s the bummer.

For most of the show, my view was obstructed by dorks and their cell phones. Here’s their routine – take a video or pic, post it. Take another video or a pic, post it. All while getting their friends in on the action via Periscope. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Most people at concerts aren’t present for the show. How could they be? They’re spending their time taking videos, pictures, and posting. They’re seeing the show through a 4″ screen.

If you’re doing this, you’re a dork. Sorry, that’s how it is. Put your fucking phone down for 2 hours, enjoy the show.

It’s out of control.

I guess the bands could print something on the ticket — “Watch the show, not your phone”, start some campaign to encourage moderation. It won’t work. People are too selfish. Or should I say, they’re too selfieish. We live in this world where if it’s not happening on social, it must not be happening.

We all want our digital memories. So how about this? What if bands allowed concert goers to download a few high quality videos and pics after their show. The vids and pics would be far better quality than what anyone could get from their phone, so maybe that’d encourage people to put down their phones and watch the show?

Somethin.

I did manage to get one pic of Bono without a fucking phone in the picture. But only 1.