Chrissie Hynde on Phone Use at Concerts: The Battle Between Capturing and Experiencing Live Performances
Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer of the Pretenders, recently expressed her disapproval of concertgoers who use their phones to record or take pictures during live performances. She questioned the need for people to document concerts or museum visits in this way, highlighting a conversation she had with singer Emmylou Harris on the subject. Hynde observed that many artists find this behavior bothersome and have tried to discourage it by posting signs or making requests, but some audience members still disregard their wishes.
Hynde mentioned that even renowned artists like Bob Dylan have struggled to prevent fans from using their phones during shows, with some fans resisting requests to refrain from recording. She described the act of filming or photographing at concerts as a compulsive behavior that can be disruptive to both the artist and other attendees. Hynde likened it to a persistent distraction, akin to a mosquito buzzing around one's head while trying to sleep.
During a recent concert in London, Hynde encountered a man who was recording the entire performance despite objections from others who found it rude and distracting. When confronted, the man dismissed their concerns and insisted on continuing to film. Hynde humorously speculated that even if Jesus Christ were present, people would still prioritize capturing the moment on their phones. The prevalence of this behavior perplexed her, prompting her to seek an explanation for why people feel compelled to document every moment rather than simply experiencing it.
In conclusion, Chrissie Hynde's reflections on the prevalence of phone use at concerts shed light on a common issue faced by artists and audiences alike. The debate over whether to record or simply enjoy live performances continues to be a topic of discussion within the music industry, with artists like Hynde expressing frustration over the intrusion of technology into the concert experience.