Open letter to some concert goers

[ArenaBoy]

Went to a folk festival to see Ben Folds. Good show but one minor complaint.

Dear idiots,

I know that you're here just for Ben but there are other acts that deserve your attention because let's face it the music business is cruel enough as it is. It's classless when during said opening acts are playing that everyone has their cellphones out in the open. First off, the light emitting from those things are distracting from the people who oh I don't know want to watch the show. Yes it may sound like nitpicking but when it's done in a dark auditorium it's annoying.

And to the "lady" in front of me who had her fucking phone out in front of me. I'm surprised you didn't feel the glare of 3 or 4 people and the fact that you ignored the usher even AFTER the flashlight was shone on you just proves that you need a license to leave the damn house. Hell, just be glad that I didn't grab that damn phone and chuck it off the mezzanine. And no you weren't checking the time you were text messaging and kept at it for a good 3-5 minutes. During which an usher and a few angry attendees were ready to throw you and your SO right into main street Ann Arbor. Out a window. Without your jackets or winter clothing. Oh look it just started snowing.

Aside from that, it was an amazing show. Ben Folds has a hilarious rapport with the crowd. I'd suggest seeing him or listening to him. Great musician too.

[jedifarfy]

That's why I hate going to the movie theater or anywhere like that. People can't leave their freaking phones OFF. Hasn't happened at the stage theater yet, luckily. Sadly, the second time I saw Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith, it was the second day it was out, the place was PACKED. My friend and I sat in the back, and throughout the movie, people kept opening phones and lighting them up.

Should have poked some of them with a lightsaber. :P

JF

[chops]

I've noticed that the light from some cell phones has started to take the place of lighters...mainly for safety reasons. In fact, at the Evanescence concert I went to in December, we were actually encouraged by the lead singer of Sick Puppies to open our cell phones up for one of their songs. (Sick Puppies is another good example of a band that knows how to work a crowd.)

I can see, though, how the expectations of etiquette can be different at a Ben Folds concert. I'd expect more of a movie theatre-type atmosphere for him.

[XCashier]

I've noticed that the light from some cell phones has started to take the place of lighters...mainly for safety reasons.

Pen lights and Indiglo watches are also popular substitutes for lighters at concerts.

I'd strongly suggest against using this:

[redmountaingoldfish]

Went to a folk festival to see Ben Folds.

Tangent: I once went to go see Ben Folds when he was opening for John Mayer. Here's the thing:

1. His name wasn't on the tickets.
2. His name wasn't on any marquee/posters.
3. No one introduced him.
4. He didn't introduce himself.

There were lots of people who came to see John Mayer who really enjoyed Ben, but they had no idea who he was. It was up to my girlfriend and I to educate them on the greatness of Ben Folds.

Mayer eventually thanked him by name at the end of the concert.

[ArenaBoy]

I've noticed that the light from some cell phones has started to take the place of lighters...mainly for safety reasons.

That I agree with but it was just the fact that people were playing games and whatnot. And a Ben Folds concert does not have etiquette, too much swearing involved.

[Toujin]

When I went to see Nine Inch Nails, I held up my cellphone during some of the songs because I didn't have a lighter, noticed some other folks were doing that too.

Anyways, I've never had a problem with people on cellphones, and if I need to use mine, I usually duck out of where the concert is to do so.

[smileyeagle1021]

yeah, I have friends who I won't let in my car until they turn off their phones because they can't resist pulling them out during movies, or concerts, or in the casino (and if you get caught by security I don't know you). So I second ArenaBoy's appeal to please leave the farking phones at home.