What Do Artists Think About Texting?
Pretty soon, Kenny Chesney won't even know what his fans' faces look like. The tops of their heads, yes. But he and plenty of other big stars will be blind to their faces. Because their faces are constantly bowed down over cell phones, Blackberry devices and iPhones during shows.
Fans spend so much time texting throughout concerts, I can't help but wonder what the artists think? Are their feelings hurt? Do they want to harass those fans and yell, "Hey, you. Yes, you, little Miss Rapidfire Thumbs. Stop texting people and watch the damn show"? Or could they care less?
Since I go to so many shows, I probably see more of this than most country fans. And, because I have a covert spy-like attention to detail, I can read everything they're texting. Trust me, this is not crucial information. It can wait. Some is about what's happening at the show: "OMG he is playing STMTS. Wish u were here ." Or, when Keith Urban goes into the crowd to sing "You Look Good in My Shirt," I usually see the hopeful fan-to-fan texts. Like "Do u think he'll come to section 203?" Right. As if he'd pick the fan who isn't even paying attention.
But sometimes, the texts aren't even about the show. Which is possibly even more upsetting. Like when the husband was dragged to a concert by his Sugarland-lovin' wife, and he's texting a friend to set up a tee time for the next day. Or the mom who brought her teenagers to the Taylor Swift show, reminding her husband, via text, to take the trash out.
Next time you go to a concert, resist the temptation to open the texting floodgates. Just keep the phone turned off. Or, better yet, leave it in your car. You will enjoy the music so much more if you're tuned in. And if you won't do it for yourself, do it for the artist. Ask yourself how you'd feel if you finally had a chance to talk with him and, instead of listening, he was texting.
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Erin says:
I agree. Why go to the show if you’re gonna text the whole time? I go to see the show. Not to talk to my friends unless they happen to be sitting right beside me.
cathy says:
I agree that if you are going to be texting the entire time at a concert why go, but I just went to see Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban and if they had a problem with texting maybe they shouldn’t have been advertising it on the big screen during the concert. They were asking people to text them during the concert to try and win upgraded seats into the sandbar. Maybe they don’t really care if people are texting…
Gladys says:
When I go to a concert, my focus is solely on the artist. I am not going to waste good money, and good entertainment by talking talking on the telephone or texting. All my friends already know, going to a concert is my time.
Leah says:
lol Funny thought….don’t drink and text!
You spent an arm and a leg to get there, pay attention! I don’t know about you, but if i paid $50 plus to get in there, I am going to enjoy every minute!
Paula says:
I am usually too busy watching the concert to notice what is going on around me. Not good for being aware at all times, but a comfortable setting makes for completely being in the moment and enjoying money well spent.
J.R. Journey says:
I am really enjoying your pieces here, Alison. Keep it up!
katie ayers says:
i think cell phones should be left home.i would not even take mine cause kenny would be my priority and not the cell phone.it is rude and inconsiderate to be texting during the concert so people please show respect for the artist and leave cell phones at home.
katie says:
I agree! I went to a few concerts this summer and it seemed like everyone was texting and playing their cell phones. I’d much rather watch the show and text about it later.
Ms. Feathers says:
The only time I use my phone at a concert is to call a friend so she can listen to a pre-requested favorite song. I know I’m not the only one who does that.
Also, at Keith Urban’s show in Roanoke back in February, he had us all do the Cell Phone Wave during the encore. It was awesome!
Other than that, texting, IMO, is NOT how you should be spending your time at a concert when you’ve paid lots (and sometimes EXTRA lots) for your tix.
glenda says:
I went to one of Keith’s concert and we did the cellphone wave and that was the neatest thing I’d ever seen!! Breathtaking!! Keith said, “you guys paid money to see my show, and YOU All ARE THE SHOW!!” He’s so funny!
Ms. Feathers says:
glenda - he told us it looked like fireflies and that we were “awesome”. We practiced once (practice! LOL) and then he had us go ’round twice. I was blessed with front row tix that night, so it was REALLY cool to see the lights all around and high above my head. People were using the lighted screens on the backs of their cameras, too! Sorry, getting OT…
Nikole says:
In New Zeland, they try to take cellphones off people in the crowd when they go through the gates.