Perhaps it's an age-old debate pitting younger generations against the older proctorial baby-boomers--but if you want to see Kate Bush in concert then it will be done sans phone, tablet, etc.
Last time Bush was on stage, the era of cell-phones was in its most rudimentary stages. Ancient block-size telephones did not possess the capabilities they do today. And for her upcoming run at the Hammersmith Apollo, it's essential she find common ground with her fans.
In an address to her audience, Bush explained that she would "very much want to have contact with [us] as an audience, not with iPhones, iPads or cameras." While it may be asking a lot, it may be hard to find blame in the artist.
Other major musicians have added their own words to the rally against in-show cell-phone coverage. Roger Daltry wrote:
"I feel sorry for them, I really feel sorry for them. Looking at life through a screen and not being in the moment totally - if you're doing that, you're 50% there, right? It's weird. I find it weird."
Well I'm sure the creator Tommy would have some words about the illusion of one's "digital life." Again, though, who can fault him, especially when a current chart-topper also feels slighted?
Beyonce berated a fan last year, too, saying "You can't even sing because you're too busy taping. I'm right in your face, baby. You gotta seize this moment. Put that damn camera down!"
And the list continues with The Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Krystian Zimerman and so on. There's much ado about this cell-phone debacle lately and if you're a paying patron should you be limited to the use of your phones and tablets? And if you shouldn't, do you think it's worth compromising the integrity of the performance?
Regardless, get down on some Bush below while you ponder.
