Phoebe Bridgers’ The Lost Tour is not at all just a concert, it is an experience. If you won the Ticketmaster war and are heading to one of her upcoming shows, there are a few things you should know before you get in line. Between the no-phone policy, merch prices, setlist surprises, and the little details that make the show special, being prepared can make the entire night a lot less stressful. Here’s what I learned from my experience and what I wish every concertgoer knew beforehand.
The No-Phone Policy.
One of the biggest things to prepare for is the no-phone policy. After you go through security, your phone will be placed in a locked Yondr pouch that you keep with you for the duration of the show. You aren’t completely cut off from your phone, though. There are designated areas where you can have your pouch unlocked if you need to use it. However, phones aren’t the only devices affected by the policy. Smartwatches, Oura rings, and digital cameras aren’t allowed either, so leave those at home if you want to avoid any issues getting inside.
Most importantly, bring a physical credit or debit card. Since you won’t be able to access Apple Pay on your locked phone, you’ll need another way to pay for food, drinks, and merchandise. It sounds like a small detail, but it’s something you definitely don’t want to forget when you’re standing in line for a $45 T-shirt.
Merchandise.
If you’re planning to buy merch, budget ahead of time. Prices add up quickly, especially if you’re hoping to leave with more than one souvenir. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- T-shirts: $45
- Sweatshirts and crewnecks: $80
- Tote bags: $25
- Journals: $35
- Vinyl: $25–$45
- Cassettes: $20
- Stickers: $15
- CDs: $15
One thing I learned the hard way is that the sweatshirts and crewnecks sell out FAST. I went to get merch during the opener and didn’t even see them available. If those are at the top of your wishlist, don’t assume you can wait until later to buy them.
There are also two merch lines, one upstairs and one downstairs. Before committing to a line, check out both locations and see which one is shorter. My biggest piece of advice is to give yourself plenty of time for merch. Between the lines and the possibility of items selling out, it’s worth planning ahead instead of trying to squeeze shopping into the last few minutes before Phoebe takes the stage.
The Setlist: Swaps and Surprise Songs.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to know what songs to expect before a concert, here’s what to keep in mind: the setlist stays mostly the same from night to night, with a few changes. The main swaps to look out for are between “Georgia” and “Waiting Room,” as well as “On Video” and “Sidelines.” So, while you can get a pretty good idea of what you’ll hear, there are still a few possibilities to keep things interesting. There’s also a surprise song each night somewhere towards the third act.
One other thing worth mentioning is the lighting. The ends of “Lost Weekend” and “As Above” feature intense lighting effects. If you’re sensitive to flashing or bright lights, be prepared. I had to look away during parts of both songs because the lighting was a lot more intense than I expected, (which I never thought I’d say about a PB concert).
Bring a Lighter for “Graceland Too.”
This is my biggest personal request: PLEASE BRING A LIGHTER FOR “GRACELAND TOO.” Since phones are locked away, the usual sea of phone flashlights isn’t an option. Instead, concertgoers can bring lighters for the moment. I was genuinely sad that there weren’t more people participating, because it’s such a sweet opportunity to make the song feel even more special.
It’s a small thing, but these shared moments are part of what makes a concert memorable, especially when we don’t have videos to remember it by. Everyone is there to experience the music together, and seeing more lights in the crowd would make the moment that much better.
Final Tips.
A little planning goes a long way when you’re heading to a show with a no-phone policy, but most importantly, enjoy being present. Not having a phone in your hand might feel strange at first, but it also gives you the chance to experience the concert without worrying about recording every second. Sometimes, the best concert memories are the ones you get to keep entirely to yourself. I felt like I was a part of something secret that only a select few got to witness. Enjoy getting lost!