Attending live concerts, theatre productions and other performances has become increasingly frustrating for many audiences and performers, according to a commentary in the Australian Financial Review. The article argues that disruptive behaviour—once the exception—has become increasingly common, with excessive phone use, constant filming, loud conversations and other distractions changing the experience of live entertainment.
The commentary points to a growing list of complaints from performers. Musicians and actors have publicly criticised audience members for recording entire shows, scrolling through social media during performances and prioritising online content over the shared live experience. Some artists have even introduced phone-free performances, requiring devices to be locked away in secure pouches until the show ends.
According to the article, soaring ticket prices may also be influencing audience behaviour. As live events become more expensive, some attendees feel entitled to document every moment as proof of value, while others attempt to secure the “perfect” social media video instead of engaging with the performance itself. The result, the commentary suggests, is that the atmosphere of shared immersion is gradually being replaced by a culture of constant recording and distraction.
The analysis also highlights more extreme examples of poor etiquette reported at concerts in recent years, including people refusing to leave their place in the crowd, disruptive behaviour that affects fellow audience members and incidents that performers have described as unsafe or disrespectful. While such cases remain uncommon, they have contributed to broader concerns about declining standards of audience conduct.
Some observers attribute the shift to habits developed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people consumed entertainment primarily through screens. Others argue that social media has encouraged audiences to view performances as content to capture rather than experiences to enjoy in the moment. The commentary suggests that this change has blurred traditional boundaries between performers and audiences.
The article concludes that live performances remain most rewarding when audiences are fully present and respectful of both artists and fellow attendees. While technology has transformed how people experience entertainment, the commentary argues that preserving the unique atmosphere of live events ultimately depends on audiences choosing participation over documentation and consideration over distraction.
