My life was forever changed at the Phoebe Bridgers Lost Tour concert on Tuesday night, but not just because of her music.
This was a completely phone-free experience. Meaning all phones, smartwatches, cameras or recording tools of any kind were to be locked up in a Yondr Pouch.
I am no stranger to the Yondr Pouch. My high school implemented them my senior year to make it nearly impossible to use your phone during class. I say nearly, because there is always a loophole to these sorts of things. However, at the concert, no one seemed to want to use those loopholes.
Bridger’s fan base holds such a level of respect for her that I did not see one person at this concert attempting to go against her wishes and record the concert. And trust me, sitting in the balcony of TD Garden meant I could see everyone.
Instead, what I saw brought me back to small moments in my life where I never had the option of a phone in my hand. People were playing “Concentration 64,” the classic hand-clap game from elementary school. I saw groups engaged in long conversations with the people in the seats next to them, who they never would’ve spoken to if it wasn’t for this rule.
Instead of phone flashlights, people waved lighters during “Scott Street,” one of Bridgers’ most popular, but also saddest, songs.
My friends and I sat next to two girls named Vanessa and Zoe, from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. We bonded over the stress of traveling into Boston, our favorite Phoebe songs and the battle over the merchandise.
Yet, even through the awkward stage of getting to know one another, none of us missed our phones. I mean, what could possibly be better on my tiny screen than seeing my favorite artist live for the first time in my life?
Bridgers was reteaching us to live in the moment. I was never concerned about catching the “perfect concert moment” on my phone for my Instagram followers to see. I wasn’t worried about getting pictures of my outfit.
I left remembering what it felt like to sit in my thoughts and just live.
So, in my college newspaper, I would like to thank Phoebe Bridgers for this experience. And to Vanessa and Zoe, I hope you got home safely.
