Lydia Bradley

Staff Writer

Phoebe Bridgers kicked off her third solo tour this past September, playing her new studio album, “Lost Weekend.” This is Bridgers’ first album in the last six years, following the release of her album “Punisher” in 2020.

Upon announcing The Lost Tour, she captioned her Instagram post with, “I’m coming on tour no phones.” All phones, smart watches and any recording devices will be locked away in fabric cases with magnetic locks called Yondr pouches.

This announcement sparked plenty of online discourse around concerts and the use of phones. Many fans were upset about having no ability to film the concert, with many arguing that with the high-ticket prices, they should have the ability to record however they want. Others called the rule “ableist,” citing many people’s reliance on phones as medical monitoring and hearing devices.

Although Bridgers made exemptions for phones in medically related circumstances, concerns of safety still arose, with some fans worrying about being unable to reach loved ones in the case of an emergency during the show.

While some argued, others embraced the rule, leading a large number of fans to find new and creative ways to memorialize their experiences. Numerous fans turned to pen and paper to take into the shows to sketch stage design and outfits as well as writing down their thoughts and the setlist as the show went on. This provided fans with their own visual keepsakes to remember the tour.

Fans and critics alike praised the show’s no phone policy for its refreshing feeling in a society so reliant on technology. Audiences have embraced the new, distraction free shows and are using it to not only enjoy their favorite artist, but also connect with people on an even deeper level.

Phone free shows are the future of concerts, and with the controversy, Bridgers has shown just how much it’s needed in modern times.

The views expressed in the Opinion section do not reflect the views of the Stroud Courier, its editorial board or East Stroudsburg University, but are solely the views of the author.