In a recent interview, Phil Campbell, former guitarist of MOTÖRHEAD and current member of PHIL CAMPBELL AND THE BASTARD SONS, expressed his frustration with the prevalent use of cell phones at concerts. The veteran musician voiced his concerns about how this practice affects both the performers and the overall concert experience.
Campbell noted that as soon as the band takes the stage, a sea of phones emerges from the crowd. While he doesn't completely oppose brief recordings, such as filming half a song, he finds the constant phone use throughout entire shows particularly bothersome.
The guitarist described witnessing concertgoers who remain motionless and expressionless throughout performances, solely focused on capturing the event through their devices. This behavior, according to Campbell, detracts from the essence of live music experiences.
"You should live in the moment," Campbell emphasized, highlighting the importance of being present and engaged during concerts. He expressed a preference for seeing audience members actively participating, such as tapping their feet, rather than being glued to their screens.
Campbell also pointed out that the prevalence of phone recordings can be off-putting for performers. The immediate appearance of cameras as soon as the band walks on stage creates a disconnect between the artists and their audience.
Additionally, the guitarist questioned the value of these recordings, stating that the quality is often poor. He suggested that the effort put into capturing the show might be better spent fully immersing oneself in the live experience.
As the debate around cell phone use at concerts continues, Campbell's comments shed light on how this modern habit impacts both sides of the stage, encouraging music fans to reconsider their approach to live performances.