Yondr

Music
1

I’m going to my first “mobile phone free event” tomorrow, where I have to lock my phone in a Yondr pouch and then get the pouch unlocked after the gig.

The annoying thing is:

  • You need your phone to get in, as the tickets are stored in the venue’s app
  • It’s a cashless venue, but you can’t use your phone to pay for anything. I have to remember my old-skool bank card (or more likely, just not buy anything)
  • They tell you to note down your seat number beforehand, because your seat number is on the app, which you can’t access. I have to remember to take a pencil and notebook with me!
  • If you forget to turn your phone off before putting it in the Yondr bag, and your phone rings during the performance, you are totally fucked!

Is this a good idea or not? It seems flawed and I hate it.

All this is outlined in an e-mail, which basically ends with:

We hope you have a great time at your event and fuck you!
Best,
AXS Team

2

I’d not go. terrible idea

1 Like
3

Never been to one of these gigs and it just seems like a massive pointless waste of time.

2 Likes
4

Excessive phones at gigs can be a little bit annoying but nowhere near as annoying as having to put your phone in a stupid little pouch. Go away.

4 Likes
5

There’s nothing that shouts “just enjoy the moment!” more than having your phone involuntarily locked away in a bag

7 Likes
6

But how are you supposed to film 75-80% of the gig to have on your phone so you can never watch it again?

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7

Didn’t realise they’re starting to bring these in in schools now until a bit of a scandal around government spending in Ireland recently

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8

As someone who goes to a lot of gigs alone I’d be most annoyed about having to just stand around staring at the floor between bands

2 Likes
9

It would be nice if they could say “this is a phone-free gig, please don’t use your phones” and everyone would respect that. But sadly, a significant number of gig goers are selfish arseholes, so we all have to suffer.

5 Likes
10

Buy a gig programme and read that between bands? Do gigs still have programmes? I vaguely remember them in the eighties for big band tours.

11

Are you allowed to take landlines in?

3 Likes
12

Yeah you can find them at the merch stand next to the slinkies and Easy-Bake ovens

4 Likes
13

After having to watch an entire Jai Paul set through someone’s phone, I think this should actually be compulsory for all gigs.

14

I might be wrong but I somewhat feel the moment has passed for this - at the last few gigs I’ve been to I’ve noticed how few people have actually been filming. Not sure whether this is because of people realising they never watch them or most people have realised how fucking annoying it is for others and have dialled it down.

15

I’m torn. I don’t like being told what to do. But on the other hand, I will almost certainly enjoy the gig more.

16

Hate people holding up their phones for ages at gigs, but I think I hate this idea more.

Fabric’s policy seems to strike the right balance to me. A sticker over your camera lens isn’t going to put off someone who’s determined to do as they please, but something that adds a psychological barrier is enough to persuade the majority of people.

1 Like
17

Yeah, I think if the artist is bothered by this (which I can understand), then a couple of signs around the place asking people not to use phones is probably the best balance between being overbearing about it and having a bit of an impact. Maybe an announcement over the PA before it starts as well asking people to be considerate of those around them, etc.

Some people won’t care, but others might just take one quick photo instead of loads of videos or whatever.

1 Like
18

I’ve been to a few of these events and I have to say I really like the vibe it creates. So long as the venue have the process down and plenty of staff, queuing to get your phone locked up or unlocked is really annoying

19

Yeah this is the one downside imo. Went to a stand up show where they took our phones off us and I had to sit at a table for almost an hour just reading the cocktails menu

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20

Fortunately the gig I’m going to is due to start pretty promptly after doors open and there is no support, so boredom won’t be an issue.

1 Like