There really is no substitute for live music. There is nothing quite like seeing an artist at the peak of their powers on the stage, mistakes and all, whilst hundreds of people brought together by a shared love of music stand in awe of their musical heroes and enjoy the show. Or, at least, that was how things used to be.
I don't mean back in the 'golden days' when people talk about that time they saw The Ramones play in front of 25 people in a basement in Chesterfield (they didn't) and everyone's leather jackets got covered in spit (gross). I'm talking about 10 years ago before everyone was on their phone all of the bloody time.
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Well, now one brave musical pioneer is fighting back. Jack White hates that people stare at their phones, take photos, and film video whilst he is rocking out on stage.
In fact, he hates it so much that he has banned mobile phones from all of his future live shows.
This isn't the kind of "if you wouldn't mind" ban either. It's an "under no fucking circumstances" type of deal.
He released a statement explaining his decision that said: "No photos, video or audio recording devices allowed.
"We think you'll enjoy looking up from your gadgets for a little while and experience music and our shared love of it IN PERSON."
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The statement continues: "Upon arrival at the venue, all phones and other photo or video-capturing gizmos will be secured in a Yondr pouch that will be unlocked at the end of the show.
"You keep your pouch-secured phone on you during the show and, if needed, can unlock your phone at any time in a designated Yondr Phone Zone located in the lobby or concourse."
I know what you're thinking. Firstly, when did Jack White stop being a rock 'n' roller who doesn't care what people think and become your dad? Secondly, what the fuck is a Yondr bag?
A Yondr bag is a sort of magnetic locking sock that you put your phone into that can only be opened by a special Yondr machine that will be in the lobby of all of the venues White will play at.
This has been a long standing obsession of White's, and in 2014 he told Rolling Stone: "People can't clap anymore, because they've got a fucking texting thing in their fucking hand, and probably a drink, too!
"Some musicians don't care about this stuff, but I let the crowd tell me what to do. There's no setlist. I'm not just saying the same things I said in Cleveland last night. If they can't give me that energy back? Maybe I'm wasting my time."
Right, Jack, and pints used to be less than £4 each and there were green fields as far as the eye could see instead of that new Lidl.
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