Morning all.

I'd like to get a bit of discussion about something I've seen at all of the o2 shows I've been to on this tour, which is becoming - if not yet annoying, then certainly a distraction.

Am I alone in wishing that people all around you would stop endlessly filming or trying to take pictures of the show, and just attempt to enjoy the moment? Everywhere you turn someone is trying to film or take pictures, it's incessant and something you're always aware of - even when looking at the stage.

The irony about all of this is that in trying desperately to capture 'the experience' on a shaky piece of film on a mobile, they ultimately, almost always - miss it! And let's face it how many times are you going to watch this incomprehensible 30 seconds to a minute of flashing lights, who are you going to share it with? The time you spend fiddling with the equipment, then trying to get a better shot, or more film...is ultimately show time you could have enjoyed. People seem unable to experience things in real time in the truest sense of the word any more, what is actually being captured?

Am I alone - share the thought?!

T

I couldn't agree more. Worst case Prince will just walk away from an Aftershow because of this...

Tokyo said:

Tokyo said:

I agree, some people have vision, and the rest of the world film it at 320x240 resolution.

Imagine this senario..."Here's looking at you, kid." Humphrey Bogart then lifts his little phone and gets one last pic to show his mates. It doesn't work for me, you?

They are capturing small 320x240 slithers of their life that they could have experienced fully

"They look at life through a pocket camera"

i admit i took a photo! and a craker it was mid solo at the bottom of the 0(+> i should have been a photographer! its mydesk top peach

I think what it is is that these people can't just GO to any event, they have to be SEEN to have gone. The fact that in doing so they cannot possibly actually ENJOY the show to the full is irrelevant to them, they can show their mates some fuzzy goddam awful picture to prove that they were there. To hell with the actual experience, it means nothing to them. It's what I see as the curse of the mobile phone, some people seem to feel that they don't exist unless they are chatting endlessly to someone or other while they are sitting on the bus or walking around Sainsbury's or whatever. It drives me around the fuckin' bend!!!! Grumpy old man? Baah Humbug!!

I took pictures on my mobile of the view behind the stage as I had bad VIP tickets, which didn't have a VIP view, so I wanted evidence of the view from my seat, security weren't happy and came over telling me not to take pics, so I told them they were for evidence of the view I got from VIP section so I could use as evidence in any subsequent case, they didn't have an answer for that one !

slaphead said:

I think people should be able to take photos if thats what they want to do.. Its a matter of choice people want to have something to take away and keep I don't see what the big deal is it has become common practise at concerts and I think people have to accept it....

kornie said:

Not if it interferes with other peoples enjoyment of the gig, either by being distracted by the constant light of the mobile or by the security guards hovering around & breaking the vibe. You wouldn't do it in the Theatre (or would you?) it's no different. Total lack of respect for others - 'I want it, I'm gonna have it, fuck everyone else" But that's todays society for you. Sorry, call me an old git if you like, I don't care, but that's what it all boils down to in my opinion.

slaphead said:

and you totally entitled to your opinion but I just dont see the big deal? is that to say people shouldnt hold up lighters etc its just a thing thats always been done at concerts it adds to the experience.
The concert should be fun if people want to take some photos its ok, maybe you just need to relax?

DON'T FUCKIN' TELL ME I NEED TO RELAX!!!!

slaphead said:

Ha that made me smile!

Ha! Gotcha!

Slaphead - I'm with you...although I was trying to be diplomatic...LOL!

Live 4 Love - but stop taking photos and shooting video all around me.

T

Tokyo said:

Wear a sign then!!!!!NO PHOTOS NEAR ME!!!!!

Oh stop it kornie u old wag!

Tokyo said:

Sorry, it's just a particular bugbear of mine; mobile phones. Gone are the days when a phone call would be a private affair; in a phone box or sitting at the foot of the stairs in the hall. It now seems that the whole world is talking utter trite at the top of their voice or discussing the ins & outs of their vagina on the top deck of the bus for the consumption of all & sundry!!
God I'm off again, but you get the picture. Grumpy old man!!


P.S. Kornie - There are messages on the screens making it perfectly clear that photo's are not to be taken, which thankfully expunges the necessity for my sandwich board to be worn, thus allowing the full flow of my kaftan to be admired by all.

slaphead said:

You are just so funny sitting here laughing out loud! listen I'm only going to 1 more gig on the 20th I'll try and not take any pics near u ok and i'm sure its a lovely kaftan is it purple?

kornie said:

Ooohh, we shan't have the pleasure then, because I'm not going on the 20th

I'm going tomorrow. ..... Oh yes and Friday too.
Oh I almost forgot the 21st!
You'll just have to imagine the sheer splendor of my outfit, but I'll be the talk of the town for weeks to come! "Prince who?" they'll be saying, "But did you see that gorgeous old fella in that beautiful gown. I wonder where he got it. I want one!" will be the cry from all who see me.
Enjoy the 20th. (But you'll enjoy it even more if you put the camera away!).


[Edited 8/27/07 14:14pm]

Tokyo said:

Exactly

one must live the experience, to know what it is, to have been there and witnessed it

I couldn't imagine just standing there trying to capture a picture or filming 30 seconds here, 19 seconds there ect. When I did see him in Vegas, I didn't even want to go to the bathroom must less fidget with a camara or mobile phone to film for someone who didn't pay to see him. Society tripping these days.

Tokyo said:

well i have 30seconds of Prince and Beverly Knight doing take another little peice of my heart on my phone from the aftershow, and to answer your questions, ive watched it a hell of a lot of times and im still not tired of it, and i show it 2 everyone!!!!!

And what was that on saturday? WE're not allowed 2 take pics... OH NO. But Mr. Hayes IS allowed! Just 'cos security have them backs 2 him, AND 'cos he's in the band. Doesn't mean he can flout the rules.

Tokyo said:


The irony of this topic comming from somebody called Tokyo... ! But seriously, as we all know, there are many jokes about japanese people taking pictures of everything and everywhere. Sometimes it seems funny to us that they are trying to preserve life instead of living it. And I belive Tokyo wants to bring up the question, if we here in europe, in a way, developing in the same direction!? I think he brought up an interesting question, although this is probably not the right place to discuss that. Maybe its more a philosophi-/psychologi- rather than a princeological kinda question

I actually dont see the point of a camera built into a mobile phone. The picture quality is rubbish. Maybe the network providers pushed the manufacturers to include them so they could make more money from people sending photos and videos across the networks.
Anyhoo, I totally agree with Tokyo. But I can't see things changing. Ever.

Last nights aftershow (28th) was significantly marred for me by 1 bloke who was at the bar until Prince came on then thought it OK to barge past me, then stand in my way and take Photographs, resulting in security further standing in my way & shining their torch to get him to stop. He did this 2 or 3 times. Another person behind me put their hand over my shoulder and their camera in front of my face to get a photo. Really fuckin pissed me off Security should make it plain that if they are caught once, they are out, No questions. It seems that getting photos at these gigs is a new sport, and one where ultimately there are no winners.