“It’s weird not having a phone, isn’t it?” said Phoebe Bridgers to the 18,000-or so strong audience who’d willingly had their phones locked up for Thursday night’s special acoustic concert at Madison Square Garden. “I love it. I appreciate you allowing this to be an internet-free zone.”
She added with a smile, “And if any of you stuck an Apple Watch up your ass to record this, please don’t post it on the internet — I’m trusting you.”
The rules for this concert — the first phone-free arena show we’ve ever attended, and possibly the biggest ever — were posted in a sternly worded statement on Madison Square Garden’s website when this ultra-low-cost benefit for the Community Justice Exchange’s Immigration Bond Freedom Fund (providing bail money for ICE detainees), sponsored by the Tidal streaming service, was announced on Monday.
“Device Free Show,” it read. “Per the artist’s request, no recording devices will be allowed at this event, including but not limited to the items listed below: No cellphones No cameras No tablets No laptops No smart watches No bluetooth enabled headphones Upon arrival, small devices will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the event. Guests will maintain possession of their Yondr pouches throughout the night, and if needed, may access their devices at designated Yondr unlocking stations in the lobby. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a device-free viewing experience.”
