Annoying concert behaviour: time to ban phones at live shows

A forest of smartphones raised to record what's unfolding on stage is, unfortunately, part of the modern-day live-music experience. But a friend's recent encounter took the issue to a whole new level.

During a Hong Kong concert, a guy in front of her raised an iPad above his head.

"That really is the ultimate f***-you to everyone behind," she vented on Facebook. "Next time I'm bringing my MacBook!"

Selfie sticks, for the nouveau narcissist

While it's annoying for gig-goers to have to crane their necks to sneak a peak at the stage through a thicket of gadgetry, it must also be dispiriting for artists who must look down to see a sea of phone-holding zombies, hands held high, simultaneously connected and disconnected.

Taking a quick selfie or Snapchat shot and sharing the image is perhaps excusable but holding a smartphone or iPad up for an entire show, blocking the view of others … well, that's just downright rude.

And how many people actually watch the footage when they get home?

A growing number of musicians are asking fans to come prepared to live in the moment and leave their smartphones at home.

White Stripes frontman Jack White says phone zombies ruin the energy of a live gig.

"People can't clap anymore, because they've got a f***ing texting thing in their hand," White said, in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.

Other artists are joining the anti-phone movement. Last month, American stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle banned smartphones during his Portland performances.

Now, that's what I call sound advice.