In a world where phones are glued to our hands, the idea of attending a concert without one seems almost unimaginable—especially for someone from Gen Z.
With the rise of social media and constant documentation of every moment, it feels like every experience is meant to be shared. But when I went to my first phone-free concert with Ghost at Madison Square Garden, I realized something profound: maybe the Boomers and Gen X were right about the value of just being present.
The Shift to a Phone-Free Experience
For years, the idea of having a phone at a concert felt necessary. From capturing the perfect video of your favorite song to scrolling through Instagram during the slow songs, phones were integral to the experience.
But over time, artists like Billie Eilish and bands such as Ghost began advocating for less phone use. Ghost took it a step further with a bold no-phone policy. Fans were required to place their phones in locked pouches that could only be opened at the end of the concert.
At first, I thought the idea of being without my phone would be catastrophic. How could I document the experience? What if I missed something important on my feed? But once I entered the concert, I quickly realized that not having my phone actually enhanced my experience.
The Unexpected Social Connection
Without the ability to mindlessly scroll through my phone, I found myself connecting with other fans in a way I never expected.
Conversations naturally flowed, and I didn’t feel the pressure to “be cool” or worry about posing for the perfect Instagram photo. I even had genuine interactions with strangers who shared my excitement for the concert. In a way, the lack of a phone forced us to engage in real, human connections instead of hiding behind screens.
Of course, there were moments of discomfort. I’m not the best at initiating conversations, so standing around in one of the biggest arenas in the world felt intimidating at first. But over time, the experience felt more like joining a community than being in an unfamiliar place.
Immersing in the Moment
One of the most remarkable parts of the phone-free experience was how it affected my connection to the performance. Without the distraction of trying to get the perfect angle or checking my phone in between songs, I could focus entirely on the music, the lights, and the incredible stage production that Ghost had put together.
The absence of phones in the crowd allowed everyone to let loose more, dancing, headbanging, and truly engaging with the music.
It was as if the concert felt less fragmented, and we were all united in the same space without distractions. The energy in the room was contagious. The fans around me were fully present and part of the moment, not thinking about capturing it for later.
The Challenges and Fears
That being said, there were moments where I felt a little uneasy. What if something urgent happened? What if my apartment key didn’t work, and I couldn’t reach anyone? While these concerns were minor, it made me realize how dependent we are on our devices for reassurance.
Even without a phone, I found myself thinking about its absence, especially after the show when I was left to pass the time waiting for merch or just hanging out.
Additionally, there was the potential downside: if I hadn’t enjoyed talking to the people around me, the waiting periods before the concert could have felt extremely slow. There’s also the realization that spending $50 on a T-shirt without my phone to distract me might have been a bit… overwhelming.
The Takeaway: A Different Kind of Energy
When it came down to it, the no-phone policy created a more authentic, exciting atmosphere at the concert. Would I have liked to capture some of the moments from songs like “Year Zero” or “Ritual”? Sure. But the experience felt richer, more real, without the distraction of screens.
And while I’ve spent years mocking the idea of being “back in my day,” I can’t help but acknowledge that the older generations may have had a point. As much as we love documenting our experiences, sometimes, it’s worth it to just be in the moment.
In the end, I’d take the energy, excitement, and genuine connection over the fleeting thrill of a video clip. And maybe, just maybe, Boomers and Gen X weren’t entirely wrong after all.
