's Damon Albarn has shared his thoughts on 's recent decision to ban phones at his upcoming shows. Last week, the folk legend announced a of his tour, where phone use will be strictly prohibited. The gigs, which are being promoted in partnership with tech firm Yondr, will force fans to insert their cameras and mobile phones into protective pouches that remain locked while the concert is in progress.
If fans wish to use their devices, they will need to step outside the phone-free area. In a new interview with the , Albarn expressed his disapproval over the approach, declaring that he believes gig-goers will naturally opt to not engage with their devices if entertained to a certain level. “If you start banning things where does it end?", he says.
"I think you’ve just got to turn up and do your thing". "People won’t want to be on their phone if you’re engaging with them correctly.” Dylan is not the first musician to restrict phone use at his shows.
While they don't incorporate the pouch method - which have commonly been used in schools across the US since 2014 to ensure students are not distracted in lessons - Tool have strict anti-phone policies at their shows. Fans who do engage with their devices are removed from the venue. The latest news, features and interviews direct to your inbox, from the global home of alternative music.
Other artists who have tested phone-bans at their shows include , Alicia Keys and The Lumineers, among others. In 2022, Jack White went on a.