The line between performer and audience continues to blur – and occasionally, fracture – as artists grapple with how to create immersive live experiences in the age of constant documentation. A growing number of musicians are now taking direct action against the ubiquitous presence of smartphones at concerts, and the responses are proving as varied as the artists themselves.
The latest instance unfolded recently with an unnamed singer, as reported by TikTok user @berriecheriee, who halted a performance to directly address audience members preoccupied with filming the show on their phones. The singer reportedly threw water at fans, a move that sparked immediate reaction and debate online. While details remain sparse, the incident highlights a frustration shared by many performers who feel the constant recording detracts from the energy and immediacy of a live event.
This isn’t an isolated case. , Miranda Lambert, during her “Velvet Rodeo” residency in Las Vegas, publicly called out fans taking selfies during her song “Tin Man.” According to a report from ABC News, Lambert stopped mid-song, stating, I’m gonna stop right here for a sec, I’m sorry. These girls are worried about their selfie and not listening to the song. It’s pissing me off a little bit.
She then restarted the song, prompting some concertgoers to leave the venue. Adela Calin, one of the fans addressed by Lambert, described the experience as feeling like I’m being back in school and me and my friends did something that annoyed the teacher and she scolded us
.
The incident with Lambert, and now this more recent, unnamed artist, taps into a larger conversation about concert etiquette and the evolving relationship between artists and their fans. For decades, live music was a shared, ephemeral experience. Now, it’s often mediated through a screen, with many attendees seemingly more focused on capturing content for social media than fully engaging with the performance. The question becomes: at what point does documentation detract from the experience for both the performer and those around them?
Burna Boy, the Afrobeats superstar, also recently confronted fans during a concert in Colorado. As reported by Naija Beats, Burna Boy stopped his show to address a couple he deemed unresponsive, requesting they leave the venue before resuming his performance. This incident, like Lambert’s, underscores a desire from artists to cultivate a more engaged and present audience.
The motivations behind these actions are multifaceted. Artists often cite a desire to create a more intimate and immersive experience, free from the distractions of glowing screens. They argue that the constant filming disrupts the flow of the performance and diminishes the connection with the audience. Some also express concerns about the unauthorized distribution of low-quality recordings, potentially impacting their professional recordings and revenue streams.
However, the response to these interventions is rarely uniform. While some fans applaud the artists for standing up for their artistic vision, others feel the actions are heavy-handed or alienating. The ABC News report noted that the energy at the Miranda Lambert concert was not the same
after the incident. The line between enforcing boundaries and appearing out of touch can be a delicate one.
The rise of these incidents also reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry. Artists are increasingly seeking ways to control their narrative and protect their creative work in the digital age. The debate over phone use at concerts is just one manifestation of this larger struggle. A report from MSN highlighted that this is a growing trend, with a legendary singer
taking bold move
to stop fans using phones at gigs
.
The long-term implications of this trend remain to be seen. Will more artists adopt similar tactics? Will venues begin to implement stricter policies regarding phone use? Or will a compromise be reached, allowing for some documentation while still preserving the integrity of the live experience? The answer likely lies in finding a balance that respects both the artist’s creative vision and the fan’s desire to capture and share memorable moments. For now, it’s clear that the conversation around phone use at concerts is far from over, and artists are increasingly willing to take a stand to shape the future of live music.
