Should mobile phones be banned at gigs?

More than one in four young people think mobiles should be banned at live music events, according to new research.

A survey published by Preston-based event guide and ticketing outlet Skiddle found that 27% of people aged 16 to 30 believe phones should not be allowed at gigs.

The research, collecting the views of more than 1,200 music fans, found there were a host of reasons why people might like to see handsets banned during musical performances.

Of the 27% who had this opinion, 37% said phones were distracting, 34% said they detract from the experience and 20% complained that phones block your view of the stage.

Just under one in 10 (8%) believe filming and photography is disrespectful to the band or artist.

Of the 74% who aren’t bothered by mobile phones at gigs, more than half (52%) said they like capturing footage to relive the experience later, while a quarter (24%) said they enjoy sharing the experience on social media. Just over one in 10 said if they have paid for a ticket, it is their right to use their phone however they want.

Ben Sebborn, director and co-founder of Skiddle, said of the findings: “We found the results of this survey particularly interesting because of the age of respondents. Typically banning filming and photography is an opinion most commonly associated with older generations – however this survey shows that many younger people agree that live music experiences are best enjoyed without handheld technology present.

“However, despite the issue been highlighted by artists, gig-goers and venues on an almost weekly basis, it does appear that an overwhelming majority (74%) think that filming and photography should be allowed at live music events, which shows any crackdown will result in a high proportion of unsatisfied music fans.”

He added: “Whatever your opinion, it’s clear that this is a contentious issue that isn’t going to go away and it will be interesting to watch the debate unfold as opinion becomes more and more divided.”