Madonna urges fans to "put your phones down and connect", says technology has changed live concerts
New York, June 7
Pop icon Madonna has shared her concerns about the growing influence of technology on live entertainment, urging people to put away their phones and connect with the moment during concerts, according to Variety.
Speaking at the premiere of Confessions II - The Film at Manhattan's Beacon Theater, Madonna reflected on how audiences have changed over the years and how constant phone usage has affected live experiences.
The screening was followed by a Q&A session featuring Madonna and directing duo TORSO, comprising David Toro and Solomon Chase. Journalist Anderson Cooper moderated the discussion after stepping in for Jimmy Fallon, who was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
During the conversation, Cooper pointed out that attendees had been required to lock away their phones in Yondr pouches throughout the event, prompting a discussion about modern audiences and technology, as per the outlet.
Madonna said people now have a "persistent need" to document everything around them, something she believes has fundamentally altered the way individuals experience life.
While acknowledging that technology has become an unavoidable part of modern culture, the singer made her own position clear.
"I came to this earth to be a doer, not a watcher," Madonna said, according to Variety.
The singer cited her recent appearance at the Coachella music festival alongside Sabrina Carpenter as an example of how concert experiences have changed.
Although she enjoyed performing at the event, Madonna said it was unsettling to look out at the crowd and see mobile phone screens instead of faces.
According to the singer, dancing is a "deep tribal experience" that connects people and with the universe, but that connection is being weakened by the constant urge to record moments rather than live them, according to Variety.
Asked whether she had any final message for the audience, Madonna delivered a blunt appeal.
"Put your fucking phones down and connect," she said.
The singer's upcoming visual project, Confessions II - The Film, is set to premiere on YouTube on June 8. Her new studio album, Confessions II, will be released on July 3 through Warner Records.
Madonna also teased several surprise appearances in the coming months, but did not reveal details about any future tour plans. Her next confirmed performance is scheduled for the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, according to Variety.
— ANI
Reader Comments
She's not wrong. I remember going to a Coldplay concert in Mumbai and everyone was too busy recording the whole thing. You could barely see the stage through all those screens. But at the same time, without phones, how would we share those memories? It's a double-edged sword.
Funny coming from someone who built her career on visual spectacle and provocative imagery! But yes, I think she has a point. The problem is we've become so obsessed with documenting everything that we forget to experience it. Especially in our generation, FOMO is real. But honestly, sometimes you just need to put the phone away and feel the music. "Dancing is a deep tribal experience" - that hit home.
I get what she's saying, but isn't it a bit rich coming from someone who literally just released a film and is promoting it? The irony is not lost on me. Technology helps her reach millions, but she wants fans to disconnect? Also, some people have anxiety about not capturing moments - it's not always about social media validation. 🤔
I've been to concerts both ways - with and without phone bans. The ones where phones are locked in pouches are genuinely more immersive. People actually dance, sing along, and connect with strangers. It's like how weddings used to be before everyone started filming every single moment. Madonna might be onto something here. Respect for saying it so directly!
I partially agree but also think it's a bit privileged. Not everyone can afford to attend multiple concerts or travel to see their favorite artists. For many, recording that one song is their only way to relive
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