Seeing with Screens: In Defense of Concert's Cell Phone Culture
We've caught a recent bit of attention following our comments regarding Kate Bush's request that fans leave their phones in their pocket during her performances. Some has been positive, some negative, but what's clear is that concert goers feel strongly regarding the matter.
Let us start by saying that as massive Kate Bush fans, we meant absolutely no disrespect to the British star - I'm actually listening to Babooshka on repeat as I write this. But the central argument against filming with concerts seems to be that it somehow lessens the viewing experience for the person filming, or that looking out into a "sea of screens" lessens the connection between performer and fan.
I'd argue the exact opposite - filming a performance transforms the fan from passive to active. Rather than simply standby, the fan interacts with the performer, consciously choosing how to capture and view the experience. And in a larger sense, filming with other people with Vyclone asks individual members of a crowd to connect, to collaborate, to contribute their individual perspective to a larger picture - one that you'd miss out on if you were privy to only your viewpoint.
Furthermore it seems a bit unfair to claim that someone filming a concert with their cell phone is somehow having a diminished experience. Music is an absolutely subjective medium, and paying concert-goers have every right to experience it however they'd like. Some like to mosh:
Some like to tap their toes:
And others like to swing flaming lengths of kevlar around in a process known as "Fire Poi", a deadly and decadent display that combines the sanctity of dance with the primal wonder of flame:
Do be careful with that last one... The point is, you're entitled to experience the music in whatever fashion allows you the greatest connection with the music, so long as it's not reducing anyone else's enjoyment.
Finally - concerts really are special. In the case of artists who are making a grand return to the stage after years of absence (like Ms. Bush), they can be really special. True, there is something to be said for being at legendary once in a lifetime performances - but is there anything wrong with wanting to capture them? Is it really wrong to want to be able to relive these moments, or to share them with our friends?
We've had a number of great successes with artists using Vyclone to engage with fans at these live performances. Just ask Weezer. Or Jason Mraz. Or Ed Sheeran. Instead of being a solitary screen in the darkness, these dedicated fans worked together with the artists to make something special, something they couldn't have made on their own. Forgive me for saying so, but I don't think making something special is hurting anyone.
