US venue introduces phone locking system during live shows

Skokiaan

Skokiaan

Jun 19, 2004
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#1
As a frequent concert goer, this is a great idea. Some comedians like Dave Chappelle already do this at their shows.


US venue introduces phone locking system during live shows


The Revention Music Center in Houston, Texas, brings in new phone locking system to prevent audience from using their devices during live shows

The Revention Music Center in Houston, Texas, has introduced a new phone locking system to prevent concert-goers from filming or taking pictures during live shows.

They’ve announced that the plan will be in place for Jack White’s scheduled performance on May 1.

The audience will have to place their phone into a Yondr pouch upon entry, which will then be locked. While your phone will remain with you at all times, the pouch can only be opened from outside the main hall using an “unlocking base.”

The venue explain: “This is a phone-free show. No photos, video or audio recording devices allowed. We think you’ll enjoy looking up from your gadgets for a little while and experience music and our shared love of it in person.

“Upon arrival at the venue, all phones and other photo or video-capturing gizmos will be secured in a Yondr pouch that will be unlocked at the end of the show."

They add: “You keep your pouch-secured phone on you during the show and, if needed, can unlock your phone at any time in a designated Yondr Phone Zone located in the lobby or concourse.

“For those looking to do some social media postings, let us help you with that. Our official tour photographer will be posting photos and videos after the show at Jack White’s website and the new Jack White Live Instagram account. Repost our photos and videos as much as you want and enjoy a phone-free, 100% human experience.”

The issue of fans using phones at live shows has split opinion. Artists including A Perfect Circle, Green Day, Sebastian Bach, Corey Taylor and Disturbed have been vocal about their opposition to fans using phones during live sets.

But a recent survey by ticket website Skiddle found that only 27% of young music fans wanted them banned.

Find out how the system works on the official Yondr website.
 
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#2
Assuming the pouches are reusable, won’t they quickly get dirty inside and out and possibly transfer someone else’s creepy crud to you or your phone? Do I want my phone stored inside a pouch that’s been handled by who knows who or what?

I’m all for restricting phone use at concerts and such but I’m not sold on this idea.

http://www.emist.com/infection-prevention-touchscreens-are-contaminated/

Touchscreens are ideal media for pathogens of all kinds to flourish on, due to their regular contamination by unclean human hands and body fluids and their warm operating temperature. Bacteria thrive at 35˚C. Touchscreens in hospitals are well-known potential sources of infection (Shakir, 2015).
 
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#4
I'm all in favor of voluntary cell phone etiquette at concerts. But this solution seems tone-deaf to current events. When people congregate in public spaces in the year 2018, they want to be able to connect with their friends or get in touch with loved ones if, heaven forbid, there is any kind of crisis or incident. Or even something as innocent as, you want to take your child to a concert, but you're worried about getting separated in the crowd. If the venue is evacuated and people can't get to the "designated Yondr Phone Zone," or the power goes out, then the whole system breaks down.
 
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#5
I find this interesting from a historical perspective.

I'm old enough to remember when The Dead used to encourage people to tape the shows and would even set up cordoned off areas for people with recording devices. (What better way to advertise your product?)

My, how times have changed...
 
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#6
Agreed. Im totally good with bands not allowing phone use during their set.... but to pay $60 for a ticket and then have them demand I lock up my personal device? No thanks. Ill leave it in my pocket to handle any emergencies from work or family that come up.
 
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#7
MordBass said:
I work in a movie theater and we use these for special pre-release screenings
I can tell you what the issue will be right now. People will cut their phone out of it and then throw it away... then just claim they didnt have a phone on them to begin with when they leave
Click to expand...

Before I even read your post, I had that thought fire through my mind.

I wonder if that qualifies me as a "Criminal Mastermind"......:roflmao:
 
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#8
ONYX said:
Before I even read your post, I had that thought fire through my mind.

I wonder if that qualifies me as a "Criminal Mastermind"......:roflmao:
Click to expand...
another option is bringing an old phone to appease the security.... or just crotching a gopro.... I feel like the best way to do it is to have clear signage saying that photo/video is not allowed and you will be tossed if you violate. then actively toss people. set that precedent for a month or two and people will comply
 
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#10
ONYX said:
Before I even read your post, I had that thought fire through my mind.

I wonder if that qualifies me as a "Criminal Mastermind"......:roflmao:
Click to expand...
another option is bringing an old phone to appease the security.... or just crotching a gopro.... I feel like the best way to do it is to have clear signage saying that photo/video is not allowed and you will be tossed if you violate. then actively toss people. set that precedent for a month or two and people will comply
 
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#12
OldDog52 said:
Don't underestimate the violent hostility that will be displayed by some attendees if you try to take away their precious cell phone or eject them entirely during a show.
Click to expand...
If I had to guess I would say that it's a combination of having paid for ticket prices and their "precious cell phone" being a tool of communication for their family, loved ones, employment etc.
What likely makes things worse is that most venue staff are unprofessional boneheads that are rarely held accountable for their actions. If they had properly trained professionals explaining and policing it, things would go better. But I've seen first hand how most of these $10/hr steroid freaks respond right off the bat.
 
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#13
MordBass said:
If I had to guess I would say that it's a combination of having paid for ticket prices and their "precious cell phone" being a tool of communication for their family, loved ones, employment etc.
Click to expand...

People can’t set aside their entitlement mindset and stay off the phone for the duration of a Jack White concert?

I got nuthin. But I hope the idea works. :)
 
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#14
OldDog52 said:
People can’t set aside their entitlement mindset and stay off the phone for the duration of a Jack White concert?

I got nuthin. But I hope the idea works. :)
Click to expand...
Oh I agree they shouldnt be taking pics or videos if thats the artists request. Im just saying that using minimum wage, aggression prone employees to ask paying customers to lock their phone in a sock isn't the way to go about it.
 
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#17
I really don't think that any corporation would spend however much this will cost for the sake of a moral crusade against phone usage. I agree that people shouldn't be on the things but I worry if this is the right approach. The bit about copying official promotional pictures is what really makes me nervous. People should enjoy the music in the moment, but really, if they just want to take a picture to remember the show, whats the problem. Copying promotional pictures isn't gonna show off how close you were to the stage or what your personal experience was.

Edit, If the artist really cares, people shouldn't take photos, at least as a courtesy.
 
#18
I'm a cranky old guy who knows beyond doubt that no performer or venue is going to be successful in getting people to set aside their cell phones for the duration of a show or concert. They refuse to "get" that the 24/7 cell phone is far more important to the attendees than the one-time show they paid $50-$200 apiece to see. A large share of the audience is so intent on getting [bad] pics and recordings that they forego seeing and hearing the show that's going on just the other side of their 4" 4G screen.
 
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#20
Well, I won't be doing Any of that. I do think it's a serious issue and it really sucks when you're on stage and you see a bunch of people messing around with their phones but at the same time I have family kids and things like that and many times I've had to leave early because there was something going on at home or otherwise. I get where they're coming from with this but it just ain't happening I'm paying all this ridiculous money for these tickets begin with and I'll be damned if I'm handing over my stuff to some clown and it's already been stated what morons event staff typically are to begin with
 
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