Graham Bonnet recently criticized the use of phones at live concerts. He argued that fan recordings negatively impact the quality of performances in comments made during a Cooper Talk interview.
The veteran rock singer expressed frustration with how phone recordings distort the sound of live performances. He particularly noted issues with fan participation during shows.
“That’s the fricking problem, ’cause especially in Japan — well, we see [fan-filmed footage of] concerts from Japan, and they love to sing with you,” Bonnet said. “And if they’ve got the phone [out recording the show], you hear all this [singing]. I’m going, ‘Holy crap. I’m so out of tune.’ And Beth-Ami [Heavenstone] says to me, like, ‘That’s not you. That’s them. It’s the person with the phone that’s singing with you.'”
Bonnet further elaborated on the technical issues caused by phone recordings at concerts.
“I never really watch those things, but if it’s being recorded properly, then I’m okay, if it’s a proper kind of setup,” he continued. “But from a phone, it sounds bloody awful most of the time. And the band sounds terrible. It sounds like we’re all in different fucking key or whatever.”
The singer also referenced Ted Nugent’s stance on the issue. He showed support for stricter phone policies at live shows.
“I think it was Ted Nugent who said, ‘No phones. Please leave your phone at the door if you’re gonna come see me,'” Bonnet noted.
Bonnet’s concerns about live performance quality stem from decades of experience in the music industry. He has witnessed significant changes in how audiences engage with concerts.
Wikipedia documented that Bonnet’s career has been marked by significant transitions. This includes his time with Rainbow where he replaced Ronnie James Dio and contributed to the successful album Down to Earth, which included hits like “Since You Been Gone” and “All Night Long.” This experience with high-profile rock bands has given him insight into what constitutes quality live performance.
The veteran singer’s musical journey began much earlier than his hard rock fame. Barbican Theatre noted that his early success started with the pop duo The Marbles. They achieved a UK Top 5 hit with “Only One Woman” in 1968. This diverse background across different musical genres has likely shaped his understanding of sound quality and audience interaction.
Bonnet’s versatility throughout his career demonstrates his deep understanding of musical performance nuances. He has worked with various bands and successfully transitioned from R&B to hard rock. Misplaced Straws reported that this extensive experience across different musical styles has contributed to his awareness of how technology can impact the live music experience.
His current stance on phone usage at concerts reflects broader industry concerns about maintaining the authenticity and quality of live performances in the digital age. The singer’s comments align with a growing movement among veteran artists who prioritize the traditional concert experience over social media documentation.
