The idea of a cellphone-free space in today’s world seems like an impossibility. When Phoebe Bridgers announced The Lost Tour over the summer, the internet blew up in response to her no-phones policy. In an age where we document everything, some resistance emerged. As a long-time Phoebe fan, I was ecstatic regardless of my phone. I am a frequent concert-goer and generally peeved by phones at concerts. People act crazy in the name of clout and fight for the perfect video to flaunt online. I am also very short and have had countless views blocked by people recording, so I was excited to know that my view would be protected at the Phoebe Bridgers concert.
I was beyond grateful to attend the Phoebe Bridgers concert at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday, October 3rd. This experience has completely changed how I connect with concerts. Upon entering the venue, all cell phones would be secured in individual Yondr pouches; they remain on one’s person for the duration of the show and are then unlocked with a special magnet after exiting the venue. The process of locking phones at Little Caesar’s Arena was a long one, as it took a few minutes for each person to get through the checkpoint. Once inside, it was incredible to see everyone’s excitement for the performance and sharing their love for Phoebe Bridgers and her music. There was so much chatter in the concourse; it was refreshing to see everyone looking up and at each other.
The inside of the arena was set up with a main stage and a smaller B-stage on opposite sides. On the main stage was a planetarium-like dome backgrounded by a white curtain. Teal lights illuminated the stage from below. Excitement was contagious in those moments between the opener’s set and Phoebe Bridgers. Looking around, it was strange to not see a single phone in sight. This made it so much easier to connect with people, and it was so fun to meet the people around me and connect over our favorite artist.
The concert started in pitch black, followed by a black disco ball emitting teal light. Phoebe’s voice echoed across the arena as she began to play “The Outside”, the opening track of her recent album Lost Weekend. As the show progressed, the lack of phones felt so freeing. Everyone was connecting with the music in a way that felt real to them; there was no added pressure of being caught in a recording. No one acting out for a video, no random flashes, the pressures of social media were absent. The entire show was truly blissful. With no phones, the entire performance felt much more intimate than any concert I’ve ever been to. We were the only participants and nothing would leave the room, this created a special place for deep connection and ultimate engagement. Knowing the moment could never be relived again makes it so precious.
About halfway through the concert, Phoebe acknowledged the lack of phones. Recording adds additional pressure to the performance, especially in vulnerable moments. There is also another purpose to the no-phone policy: the lighting. Phones and other recording devices often flash, and people turn on their flashlights frequently throughout shows. Phone lights would have made Phoebe’s lighting effects impossible, as they interacted with the entire interior. During the beat drop of her titular track “Lost Weekend”, the lighting and lasers can only be described like rainbows, tv static, and a roller-rink carpet. The visuals Phoebe provided with her songs displayed a deep level of artistry and connection to her music.
Every single person that I have spoken to that attended the concert is in agreement. That was the best concert ever. Lives were changed. The concert we experienced is now a moment, existing only in the memories of the 20,000 attendees. This experience has led me to think that phone-free concerts are the best way to experience the moment to its full potential. There was not a single moment of distraction from the performance; nothing external can reach you. Phoebe’s song “Never Going Back!” feels so fitting in the days following the concert. That was the most unforgettable night of my life. I have never left a show with so much love, gratitude, and tears. To the readers, I encourage you to try a concert without your phone. The moment becomes rich and precious, and the memory will hold much more value.
Thank you forever, Phoebe, for teaching us the value of an ephermal moment.