El mobile phone use at concerts has once again become the center of public debate after the latest episode starring Enrique Bunbury In Quito, what was supposed to be a night dedicated to music and emotion went viral following the Aragonese artist's reaction. This incident has brought to the fore the tension between technological innovation and authentic live experience..
It all started during a concert of the Hurricane Ambulante tour, when Bunbury, visibly upset, decided stop the performance when he realized that an attendee in the front row kept recording with his cell phoneHis words, as forceful as they were sincere, highlighted a growing annoyance shared by musicians and attendees.
The incident at the Quito concert
The scene was as clear as it was unusual. Bunbury interrupted the song and addressed the audience directly: "The entire concert was filmed with the camera. If you're here in the front row, there are sure to be plenty of people who would love to be there, enjoying themselves, connecting, participating in the concert, singing along, using their hands for something other than a technological appendage.", the artist said to applause and some signs of bewilderment from the audience.
The musician insisted that the The constant presence of mobile phones interferes with the collective experience, not only for the person recording, but also for those around them and for the musicians themselves. Overuse of devices can distract attention and decrease the intensity of the live moment"You guys stop participating because you have a phone, and you're inconvenient and make the concert worse," he concluded before apologizing for having to stop the song: "It completely took away my concentration.".
A trend that generates division and controversy
Bunbury's reaction soon spread throughout social mediaWhere public opinions were divided. A portion of the attendees and followers fully supported the artist, expressing their fed up with the proliferation of screens which, they believe, make it difficult to immerse oneself in the show and reduce interaction with the artist.
You could even read comments like “It’s ridiculous to watch the concert on a mobile phone screen.” and mentions of the discomfort of having to dodge raised arms and devices for much of the event. Other users, however, defended the right to record as a personal way to remember special moments: "You pay the entrance fee and decide how you want to enjoy your experience.".
This debate is not something new And it's being repeated at more and more concerts by artists around the world. While some musicians tolerate occasional cell phone use, others prefer to restrict or prohibit its use to preserve authenticity and live performance.
He is not the first nor the only artist to speak out.
Bunbury is not the only musician who has shown his rejection of Excessive use of mobile phones at concerts. International artists such as Bob Dylan, Arctic Monkeys, Jack White or Ghost They have asked their fans to limit or even ban cell phone recordings during their shows. Some bands have implemented methods such as using sealed bags to prevent the use of devices in their venues, seeking to make the musical experience more authentic.
This position is based on the belief that Live music should be experienced fully, without technological intermediaries.Before starting his tours, Bunbury had already asked his fans: "Limit your cell phone use and experience it; you won't regret it.".
Reflection on society and the future of concerts
The Quito episode highlights an issue that, far from dissipating, continues to generate debate at every mass event: How does technology affect the collective experience of live music?
For many attendees, the habit of immortalizing every moment with their cell phone ends up distracting from what really matters: Feel live music, share the moment with thousands of people and connect with the artist without technological barriers.
The presence of cell phones at concerts has transformed the scene forever. Bunbury's reaction, beyond his occasional anger, It reflects the desire of many musicians and audiences to regain authenticity and connection in shows..
The concert continued to be a huge success with the audience and sparked intense social debate. Bunbury, true to his philosophy, reminded everyone that what happens on stage only makes sense when experienced live and without distractions, inviting everyone to leave their phones in their pockets and enjoy the present moment.
