Sabrina Carpenter may be the next major pop star to enforce a phone-free policy at her concerts, joining the ranks of Adele, Madonna and Bob Dylan in pushing back against the dominance of glowing screens in live music.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, the Espresso hitmaker revealed she is seriously considering banning mobile phones during her shows, inspired by a Silk Sonic performance in Las Vegas where audience members were required to lock away their devices.
'This will honestly piss off my fans'
Carpenter admitted the move might not be popular with everyone. 'This will honestly piss off my fans, but absolutely,' she said. 'Because I went to see Silk Sonic in Vegas, and they locked my phone. I've never had a better experience at a concert.'
'It Really Just Felt So Beautiful'
The Grammy-winning pop star explained how that screen-free night made her feel something rare at a live gig — pure presence.
'I genuinely felt like I was back in the Seventies — wasn't alive. Genuinely felt like I was there. Everyone's singing, dancing, looking at each other, and laughing. It really, really just felt so beautiful.'
The Silk Sonic residency required guests to lock their devices away — a policy that reminded audiences of what concerts were like before Instagram stories and front-row selfie sticks.
'Take Those Phones Away'
Carpenter, who's currently riding high with her Short n' Sweet Tour, says she understands why fans want to capture the moment — but she's also thinking long-term.
'I've grown up in the age of people having iPhones at shows. It unfortunately feels super normal to me,' she said. 'I can't blame people for wanting to have memories. But depending on how long I want to be touring, and what age I am, girl, take those phones away.'
She added with a laugh: 'You cannot zoom in on my face. Right now, my skin is soft and supple. It's fine. Do not zoom in on me when I'm 80 years old up there.'
Artists Are Divided, But Fans Are Listening
The phone-free concert debate isn't new — from Jack White's Yondr pouches to Tool's no-filming policies, artists have long tried to reclaim the intimacy of live music.
'The amount of phone use nowadays diminishes enjoyment,' Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood said last year. 'We really want fans to enjoy the shows first hand, rather than on their small screens.'
Carpenter isn't the first to feel that tension — but she might be the next big act to actually do something about it. Whether fans will cheer or groan is still to be seen. Just make sure to leave your phone in your pocket — or maybe at home.
