Not quite as bad as chaining people in their apartment buildings to keep COVID-19 quarantines, but it certainly would be reason enough for me to avoid a venue.
Not trying to argue for or against that policy. But comparing it even remotely to the COVID situation you are describing (that is currently happening in a certain country) is about as self-aggrandizing and out of touch as it can get.
(Specifically, no video recording allowed, but most enforcement is too stupid so they have a blanket restriction.)
1. They don't want their show recorded.
2. They don't want their show "leaking" on the internet ("loss of ticket sells")
3. People using their phones "ruin the experience"
Realistically it's due to:
1. They say libalious things. (Aka Hanable Burris talking about Cosby before formal conversations were had) Also, they say things that upset groups of people who try to "boycott." Aka Louie and the Parkland shooting joke./"Cancelled"
2. They are pissy about bad recordings going up on the internet and being caught behaving badly. (https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/dave-chappelle-fan...)
3. It's there to protect notorious joke stealers from being caught in the act.
Most of the time who gets caught are the ones that bring a full video camera. (Poor Rammstein requests no filming but people have their phones out the whole time.. comes with a big show)
This is an extra enforcement deal I'm referring to.
GP - what?
The company who is doing this is Yondr. They've been doing this for years. They've been doing this with musicians, comedians, courtrooms, and even at schools. I'm amazed that they have been getting away with this for so long.
Yondr has had a lot of astroturfing over the years so it's harder to find the people who have had a bad experience over the years. You'll see non-normally participating people pop up in every comment section that mentions the phone ban: "well i like that everyone isn't on their phone" etc. Also, you'll see near promo news pieces on this. Additionally there has been no public comment with this that I know of, which is super auspicious from the US or Europe. (Just did the research Placebo and Bono have enforced this in Paris.. a bit brave considering the bataclan)
EDIT: Dang, yes I said the a word (ends with turfing), this is not a statement thats happening here.
A friend of mine uses their phone to run an insulin pump. Are there suitable exceptions? How about doctors which may have obligations to their patient's calls?
In theory I like the idea but in practice I agree with OP.
This is the statement that I want to go up to you in person physically grab you, shake you and tell you I love you for making that statement. It's frustrating to be gaslit by artist claiming that a youtube reproduction of their concert/show is going to cause a justifiable loss of future revenue. Looking back at the Rammstein stiched concerts only makes me want to go more.
