For The Times They Are a-Changin…when it comes to banning phones at gigs, it's a change for the best.
He turned from a folk hero to villain when he started playing the electric guitar and the decision didn't go down well with his loyal fanbase. Despite that he's still regarded as one of the finest songwriters ever and he's touring the UK later this year to an adoring support.
If you're not lucky to see him at one of his shows don't worry as you'll be able to watch the clips and videos captured by mobile phones and shared on social media platforms by those fortunate enough to bare witness.
Although thanks to Bob Dylan once again making a stand, that's not going to be the case.
Dylan has called on mobile phones to be banned from venues he's playing as. He wants people to enjoy being in the moment and for it not to be shared for those who didn't get lucky in the ticket stampede. I'm well up for this.
Yes, that's right, me. The very person who has about a quarter of their camera reel and iPhone storage taken up with images from concerts. There's people on shoulders, there’s some bands in the distance and there's quite a few other mobile phones doing exactly the same as I am.
To be honest I'm trying to cut down on the way to stopping altogether. I've weaned myself off videos of songs that sound as if they're being played inside a tin of soup. I'll try and follow the professional photographers who you'll see between the act and the crowd, taking a few early shots before calling it quits. Putting my phone away unless I'm making notes for reviews and that. Or scrolling the proposed set list for loo breaks.
While Dylan is banning phones, he's not the first artist to do it. I was there almost six years ago when Jack White rocked up to the Usher Hall, the very same venue that Robert Zimmerman will be playing at, and also outlawed mobiles. Phones were kept in pouches but I didn't care as I had left mine at home. It was liberating, having to make arrangements with people to meet them in pubs but without having the safety net of WhatsApp if you were running late.
It took awhile getting used to but eventually we all did. You could tell there were some fidgety fingers and strangers exchanging their views that they felt as if they were part of a special event. Which in theory they were, it was a concert from one of the most innovative musicians around. One we appreciated a lot more.
The night ended with Jack White finishing the European leg of his tour. If memory serves me right he stood jubilantly on a piano, bottle of champagne in one hand, surrendered guitar in the other. You'll have to take my word for it.
Even if you're not going to see Dylan, give it a try the next concert you go to. Leave you phone at home or use it very sparingly. Let's face it, the best ever photo at a concert has already been taken and sits on the cover of London Calling by The Clash and it will never be beaten.
For The Times They Are a-Changin, Bob Dylan famously sang. When it comes to banning technology at gigs, it's a change for the best.
Comments