Main content

No phones on the dance floor! Why artists don鈥檛 want you filming at gigs

Artists and clubs explain their no-phones policy

Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish may not have much in common, but they do share one thing: asking fans to put their phones away at their concerts. Across the world of music, more artists and venues are asking people to stop filming every moment of the gig and instead, live in the moment to have an authentic experience. However, some artists say fans filming their best moments can help them go viral and boost their careers.

Adam Chowdhury from the What in the World team explains what鈥檚 happening on the dance floors around the globe.

We hear from DJs who support no phones on the dance floor. South Korea鈥檚 Marcus L tells us about the no-phone rules at club FAUST - the venue he co-founded in Seoul. Plus, German DJ duo Tube & Berger have released a single called 鈥楴o Phones鈥 which they say is a 鈥減rotest song鈥 against the use of phones at gigs.

One feature of the world-famous Berlin nightlife is its broad ban on phone usage on its dance floors. Caitlin from the Renate & ELSE clubs tells us why most clubs in German capital don鈥檛 allow people to use cameras at their venues.

And London DJ Dwayne Parris Robinson explains why he prefers people to have their phones out capturing the best moments whenever he鈥檚 behind the decks.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: William Lee Adams
Producers: Adam Chowdhury and Abiona Boja
Editor: Emily Horler

Available now

13 minutes

Last on

Tue 30 Sep 2025 02:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 29 Sep 2025 17:50GMT
  • Tue 30 Sep 2025 02:50GMT

Podcast