Your Smartphone Is S*** Says Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Put It Away!
For years, concertgoers would have to take special measures to sneak a camera into a show. However, smaller digital cameras are now allowed, and venues don't confiscate smartphones, thus leaving bands to take matters into their own hands. At a recent performance at Webster Hall in NYC, rock group Yeah Yeah Yeahs opted to post a notice that requested fans to keep their eyes on the stage, not on their handheld screens. Scroll down to the second 'Segment' to read the notice the group posted at the door of their gig. Also, do you think they went overboard with their request? Let us know in the 'Responses' tab.
By Sadho Ram — 11 Apr 2013, 05:11 AM — Updated over 11 years ago
Yeah Yeah Yeahs launch pre-emptive strike at phone-wielding gig-goers
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs performs at Webster Hall in New York City on April 7th, 2013.
Image via rollingstone.com
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs performs at Webster Hall in New York City on April 7th, 2013.
Image via rollingstone.com
Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs performs at Webster Hall in New York City on April 7th, 2013.
Image via rollingstone.comThe band were playing a homecoming concert at Webster Hall before their upcoming set at Coachella festival, and did not want fans to spend their time filming it on their cameras or smart phones.
gigwise.comThe art-punk trio called the Yeah Yeah Yeahs tried to keep smartphone-using fans at bay at a recent NYC Webster Hall concert, according to a report first carried by Spin and later the L.A. Times
computerworld.comKaren O repeated the request again on stage after belting the first song of her set, with the caveat that the crowd could take as many photos as they wanted “for the next few mins”.
Opinions are divided on the sign and its implications, with some saying it's an attempt by the band to prevent people from taking photos at their shows -- censorship!
The group's new POV may alienate some, but it's not really a new thing. Many venues pounce on people attempting to capture footage of their favourite bands in action.
hereshow.caNo phones at concerts? Heck Yeah Yeah Yeahs!
Music publication SPIN, who first reported the sign, noted that many respected this request, but a few continued to keep their screens glowing.
Image via hereshow.caWho are the Yeah Yeah Yeahs?
Yeah Yeah Yeahs in 2002. From left to right: Brian Chase, Karen O and Nick Zinner.
Image via wikimedia.orgYeah Yeah Yeahs are an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000. The group is composed of vocalist and pianist Karen O, guitarist and keyboardist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase.
Their style has been described as "an art-rock trio who made an edgy post-punk, dancefloor-friendly racket that mixed up Blondie with Siouxsie and the Banshees."