“I’ve got it all on video” sings Phoebe Bridgers in her newest release, “On Video,” for A24’s movie Primetime. However, fans of Bridgers surprisingly can’t relate to that particular lyric since there are no videos from her most recent and ongoing tour (because they’re phone-free shows).
Her most recent album, Lost Weekend, comes in the wake of her father’s passing, and out of respect for the emotional nature of her songs, she has instituted a no-phone policy at her shows. While this decision has been controversial among fans, I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere, and think it’s a progressive step towards re-regulating concert etiquette and culture.Â
The logistics of a phone-free show are actually quite simple. After scanning your ticket and making your way through security, all attendees are required to secure their phones, smartwatches, or any recording devices in a Yondr pouch, which is then locked and can only be unlocked at certain stations throughout the show or on your way out. While many fans complained about the lines to secure and unlock their phones, the process at TD Garden was well run, and it only took five to 15 minutes when entering and exiting the show.Â
The only significant drawbacks in my personal experience were the lack of clocks and not being able to know the time, which made waiting for the opener, Alex G, and Bridgers that much longer. It was also hard to purchase official merch after I had locked my phone (with my credit card) in the Yondr pouch, which was sadly my mistake. Other than these two setbacks, the phone-free experience was incredibly enjoyable.Â
Alternative/indie rock artist Alex G opened for Bridgers, and it was truly refreshing to see a majority of fans sitting and listening intently to the opener instead of taking pictures or scrolling. This same energy carried over to the main act with even more fervor.
As the lights went out and the intro to “The Outside” began, fans nervously scanned the room as they had no idea which stage Bridgers would appear on first. Bridgers then took the main stage, opening with her classic hit “Motion Sickness,” which is a completely different listening experience live. Seeing everyone engaging with the music, dancing, swaying, and clapping without a device in sight was truly refreshing and made Bridgers’ stage presence feel all the more intimate.Â
Bridgers’ set in itself was nothing short of incredible, with light productions that stunned the whole crowd, leading to many artists trying to recreate the magic through animations and drawing. During some slower, sadder songs — instead of pulling out phone flashlights — many fans pulled out their pocket lighters (much to the venue’s dismay), but they created a beautiful ambiance in the crowd.
Undoubtedly, the most rewarding phone-free moment was during “Scott Street,” the final song in Bridgers’ near two-hour set, in which the entire crowd threw their arms up in a united sway for the outro. Seeing everyone’s hands in the air with no phones only added to the surreal feeling of the show. As Bridgers hit the final lyric, “anyway, don’t be a stranger,” the house lights came on, illuminating the thousands of faces in the arena, who, after the experience of the concert, were no longer strangers.Â
The entire show, specifically the ending, would not have been the same if there were phones in use, and I truly respect Bridgers’ decision to prohibit them. If you’re lucky enough to see Phoebe Bridgers as she continues to embark on “The Lost Tour,” I encourage you to do so.
It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
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