Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson has again expressed strong disapproval of fans recording concerts with mobile phones. The singer described the practice as a "terrible disease" and a "failing of humanity," advocating for audiences to experience live music without digital interference. His comments highlight an ongoing debate within the music industry regarding audience engagement and technology at live events.
Key Takeaways
- Bruce Dickinson views phone recording at concerts as a "failing of humanity."
- He believes phones prevent genuine emotional connection with live music.
- Iron Maiden has encouraged fans to keep phones away during shows.
- Some upcoming Iron Maiden shows will be entirely phone-free.
- Dickinson prefers performing for an audience that provides "emotional feedback."
Dickinson's Strong Stance on Phone Use
Bruce Dickinson, aged 67, has consistently voiced his concerns about mobile phones at live performances. His latest remarks reiterate a long-held belief that these devices detract from the concert experience. He feels that the invention of cameras on phones has had a negative impact on how people perceive the world, especially in a live setting.
According to an interview with Appetite for Distortion, Dickinson stated,
"I wish the camera on those things had never been invented."He compared the widespread use of phones at gigs to a "terrible disease," suggesting that people feel a compulsion to view events through a screen rather than directly. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about digital over-reliance.
Dickinson emphasized the importance of direct engagement. He urged concert-goers to put their phones away and immerse themselves in the moment. "Put it down, put it in your pocket and look around you," he advised. He believes this allows individuals to appreciate the atmosphere, the people, the band, and the music itself. Phones, in his view, actively prevent this connection.
Did You Know?
Some artists and venues have implemented strict no-phone policies, requiring attendees to store their devices in locked pouches during performances. This aims to enhance the live experience for both the audience and the performers.
The Impact on Performers and Audience Experience
From a performer's perspective, Dickinson finds the lack of direct audience feedback frustrating. He expressed feeling "pissed off" when performing for an audience primarily focused on their screens. He desires a genuine emotional response from the crowd, rather than what he described as "a bunch of Android twerps" recording the show.
This perspective highlights a common issue for many artists. The energy exchange between a band and its audience is a crucial part of a live concert. When audiences are distracted by recording, this connection can diminish. Dickinson believes that the emotional feedback from an engaged crowd fuels a better performance.
Background on Iron Maiden's View
Iron Maiden has previously encouraged fans to enjoy their shows without mobile phones. While they have not enforced an outright ban in most cases, their management has made light-hearted comments about fans who ignore these requests. This indicates a consistent preference from the band for a phone-free environment.
Previous Comments and Band's Stance
Dickinson has previously spoken about the positive atmosphere at concerts where phones are prohibited. He has described such events as representing "what music should be." This suggests a vision of live music as an unmediated, collective experience, free from digital barriers.
While Iron Maiden has largely avoided strict phone bans, their manager, Ron Smallwood, once joked, "I wish you nothing but a very sore arm!" to fans recording extensively. This illustrates the band's long-standing desire for fans to be present and enjoy the show directly, rather than through a phone screen.
Looking Ahead: Phone-Free Shows
The conversation around phone use at concerts is gaining traction, with some artists implementing strict policies. Dickinson cited his recent experience seeing the band Ghost perform. He noted that Ghost's phone ban significantly improved the concert atmosphere, making a positive difference to the overall vibe.
This week, Iron Maiden announced additional European dates for their Run For Your Lives world tour. Notably, two of these upcoming shows in Paris will be completely phone-free. These specific performances are being filmed for an upcoming release, making the no-phone policy even more critical for production quality and audience engagement.
- Upcoming Dates: Iron Maiden has added more European dates to their tour.
- Paris Shows: Two dates in Paris will be phone-free.
- Filming: These specific shows are being filmed for a future release.
The decision to hold phone-free shows indicates a more direct approach from the band to enforce their preference. It will allow fans attending these events to experience the music as Dickinson intends: with full sensory engagement and without digital distractions. This move could influence how other major acts manage audience interaction with technology at their concerts.
The debate about phones at concerts continues to evolve. Artists like Bruce Dickinson are vocal about their desire for genuine audience connection. As technology advances, the challenge remains for both performers and fans to find a balance between capturing moments and fully living them.