The popular Swedish rock band Ghost surprised their fans with their decision to completely ban the use of smartphones at concerts in the United Kingdom. The measure was met with approval from many attendees, who unexpectedly discovered new facets of the musical experience. What lies behind this unusual ban, and could such a trend change the familiar atmosphere of musical events in the future?

A gadget you can’t do without

It is hard to overstate the role that smartphones play in the lives of modern people. These small devices are used by us literally for everything—from communication and work to entertainment.

Numerous apps further expand the functionality of these devices. Short videos, games, communication—all of this becomes available after installing apps. Sports fans can not only watch games of their favorite teams but also place bets using bookmaker apps. And not just on popular sports like basketball or football. Even sports that are exotic for the US, such as cricket, are popular. We studied several thematic industry websites and were surprised at how numerous the legal IPL betting apps are. Their example shows that you can find a suitable app for almost any task. However, sometimes this can become a problem.

Why smartphones interfere with enjoying concerts

Today, it is hard to imagine a large event without flashes and screens of mobile devices. At almost any major concert, dozens and hundreds of people try to capture what is happening by shooting videos or taking photos. According to a Live Nation study from 2023, 86% of music festival attendees have recorded at least part of a performance on their phone.

However, this tradition is increasingly causing irritation both among artists and fans of live music. Flashes, glowing screens, and the constant movement of hands with phones not only distract from the atmosphere but also make it harder to perceive the stage. Organizers and psychologists emphasize that repeatedly recording events on video negatively affects the quality of memories and reduces emotional involvement. According to clinical psychologist Natalia Dyachenko, “the attempt to capture every moment with a camera dulls the intensity of impressions and prevents full immersion in what is happening.”

How Ghost implements the phone ban

Ghost decided to go further than the usual appeals and introduced a clear measure: upon entering the concert, each attendee was given a special pouch with a magnetic lock. The phone is placed in this pouch right at the entrance, after which it is locked and remains with the owner until the end of the show. This principle allows access to the device in an emergency but completely excludes its use in the hall.

According to fans, the procedure itself takes only a few minutes and does not cause any difficulties. Volunteers and venue staff explain the process in detail, and after the concert, the pouches are easily opened using special magnetic stations. Ghost concerts were organized in this way in Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, and London, each time meeting with surprise and interest from the audience.

Some attendees expressed concerns about possible inconveniences related to emergency calls or the need to show a ticket. In practice, such issues were resolved in advance: tickets were checked before the smartphones were sealed, and information about the procedure was distributed through the official channels of the band and venues.

What fans think about the new rules

The audience’s reaction turned out to be much more positive than expected. On social media, fans noted how much their concert experience had changed. Manchester tattoo artist Vicky Walls, who attended Ghost’s performance, shared with Metro: “The absence of phones was noticeable from the very beginning. There were no distracting lights from screens; I felt I could fully immerse myself in the atmosphere, appreciate the stage design and the sound.”

Many noted that without the need to capture anything on camera, they were able to focus on the music and interaction with the band. Attendees danced more often, reacted more to what was happening, and felt like part of a single event. Fan Emma, after the concert in Manchester, wrote: “I can’t express how much this evening meant to me. Without phones, we just enjoyed the moment.”

However, there was also some dissatisfaction. Some attendees said they missed the opportunity to take memorable photos or quickly contact friends. Nevertheless, most reviews in fan communities were positive. According to psychologist Elena Gradova, “temporarily disconnecting from digital gadgets enhances the collective experience and creates a true sense of togetherness.”