new camera policy

[IrishMickyWard]

I was at the show in Clearwater. What a great show - a cool spaceship-esque venue and a band absolutely on fire. But something else really stood out tonight - there were no cameras or Iphones dangling in the air snapping bad photos one after another. It was so nice just to watch the band and not have 'the jackass' in front of me holding up his blackberry capturing footage.

 

I missed the beginning, but was told there was an announcement read at the beginning of the show twice stating - no photography. None at all. Security was on the detail and people got the picture real fast after a few people were escorted out of the concert hall. There was this one woman up front who despite being asked not to ... was shooting flip video. Jeff actually called her out from the stage as she had the camera stashed in the cleavage of her bra. I am totally serious.

 

Thank you Wilco if this is a new policy. I think anybody who was there tonight would agree that they did not miss the sea of LCD's that have become a staple of concerts today. If it was a venue only policy - well then I would urge Wilco to continue camera ban. I would also like to thank the few Iphone/Blackberry/LCD camera photogs who ruined it for everyone else - you have made the concert experience more enjoyable.

[Wendy]

Not just a venue policy, it's a new photo policy on Wilcoworld.net:

 

http://wilcoworld.net/shows/showinfo.php

 

PHOTO AND TAPING POLICIES (NOTE CHANGES AS OF March 2010)

 

* NO CAMERAS PERMITTED: Still or Video. Professional photographers MUST obtain a photo pass via Wilco's management or publicist. No exceptions. Please be considerate of others.

* We ask that you refrain from using your cell phones during concerts.

* Wilco does permit audio taping and trading of live performances wherever it does not conflict with venue or other restrictions beyond our control. We do not allow direct soundboard patches. Wilco supports the free trading of live recordings for non-commercial purposes.

[quicksllver]

FWIW, at the Miami show they did allow still photography with point and shoots, and cellphones. The "robotic voice" before the show said that it was more than allowed. They specifically said video taping of any type was prohibited as if flash photography. Security grabbed some people for taping, and most people refrained from flash photography, but no one got in trouble for using cell phones or point and shoots, and there was a lot of 'em.

 

I am guessing maybe because so many people were video recording they just nixed the whole thing? Might be one of those a few bad apples ruined it for everybody kind of thing. Granted for those of you who don't want cameras I guess it doesn't ruin a thing.

[SarahC]

I am guessing maybe because so many people were video recording they just nixed the whole thing? Might be one of those a few bad apples ruined it for everybody kind of thing.

 

It still makes me very sad that they've resorted to the no camera policy. I like to take pictures at shows, but I know how to do it in an unobtrusive way.

 

At least the tapers can still tape... for now anyway....

[cryptique]

Enforcement will likely vary from venue to venue. It'll be interesting to hear whether they really can prevent people from taking shitty cellphone photos.

 

My question is why anyone even wants to take shitty cellphone photos. You're at a show -- enjoy it, and remember it with your brain, not some poorly framed, shaky, improperly exposed, quasi-photographic memento.

 

"...and this is a blurry picture of Jeff, and this is a blurry picture of Nels, and..."

[Guest Speed Racer]

"...and this is a blurry picture of Jeff, and this is a blurry picture of Nels, and..."

 

"...no, wait! THIS one is Nels, and that's Jeff...Or maybe Sue?"

[Maddie Hope]

It's a shame it has come down to this with pictures at the shows.

I hope that "after" the show the boys will be inclined to take pictures with the fans?

[isadorah]

 

My question is why anyone even wants to take shitty cellphone photos. You're at a show -- enjoy it, and remember it with your brain, not some poorly framed, shaky, improperly exposed, quasi-photographic memento.

 

 

 

 

because sometimes it isn't always about getting the crispest, clearest, perfectly framed shot...sometimes the unexpected happens...with a cellphone no less.

[SarahC]

 

 

because sometimes it isn't always about getting the crispest, clearest, perfectly framed shot...sometimes the unexpected happens...with a cellphone no less.

that is great!

 

i am going to try to take at least 1 photo in atlanta. just one that i can use for my computer background.

 

as far as after the show goes, my friend and i have decided the before show strategy works best. We're gonna camp out all afternoon at the Fox in hopes of saying hi to Jeff.

[cryptique]

i am going to try to take at least 1 photo in atlanta. just one that i can use for my computer background.

Might want to wait 'til the end of the show, if they've been booting people out at other shows.

[fatheadfred]

Jesus Christ Superstar show? Or is that Glenn?

[quicksllver]

 

 

because sometimes it isn't always about getting the crispest, clearest, perfectly framed shot...sometimes the unexpected happens...with a cellphone no less.

 

If that is from the Miami show, I got that shot from a different perspective. It was a pretty cool moment. I wish I was able to see myself in your shot, haha.

 

[isadorah]

If that is from the Miami show, I got that shot from a different perspective. It was a pretty cool moment. I wish I was able to see myself in your shot, haha.

 

 

 

wolftrap. he tends to do that when they start "I am the Man Who Loves You"

[Wise Enough]

I don't care for this new policy at all! I love looking through peoples photos in the After the show section, giving me a visual to go with the words. I'm boderline sulking. No, bugger it, I AM SULKING! Just seems a bit heavy handed. If it was annoying having peoples phones and cameras in the air, its going to be more annoying having bouncers try and stop everyone. Its all good and well to have the policy on your website, and make an announcment at the start of the show, but reality says everyone will try it on anyway. I would take someones iphone in the air over a boucner shoving his way through the crown to argue with people.

[SarahC]

I took the high route and got a friend with a connection in Atlanta to get a photo pass for me, so now I can shoot the 1st three songs at least.

 

I agree it does seem harsh. My friend Jenny said that this is a sign that Wilco is a "big time" band now. Alas, they've been a "big time" band for me since the 1st time I heard A.M.

[Wise Enough]

I took the high route and got a friend with a connection in Atlanta to get a photo pass for me, so now I can shoot the 1st three songs at least.

 

I agree it does seem harsh. My friend Jenny said that this is a sign that Wilco is a "big time" band now. Alas, they've been a "big time" band for me since the 1st time I heard A.M.

 

AWESOME!

[Guest Jules]

I would like to know what people do with all these pictures. Why is it important to be able to take your own? I don't get it.

[SarahC]

I would like to know what people do with all these pictures. Why is it important to be able to take your own? I don't get it.

because it's fun. it's neat to look at them and show them to friends and stuff...

(i actually make collages and stuff with show photos i take)

[Central Scrutinizer]

It may be over-analyzing, but I wonder if it isn't a product of the band planning to jump labels. Trying to rein in all of the imaging etc. to protect brand.

[SarahC]

It may be over-analyzing, but I wonder if it isn't a product of the band planning to jump labels. Trying to rein in all of the imaging etc. to protect brand.

brand? wow. i never would have thought of it like that... i guess there is a lot of legal junk we (as fans) don't have to think about.

that could very well be the case

[Guest Speed Racer]

to protect brand.

 

From what?

 

I think this policy is specifically set up to protect the band and crowd from flash and distracting cameras.

[tinnitus photography]

It may be over-analyzing, but I wonder if it isn't a product of the band planning to jump labels. Trying to rein in all of the imaging etc. to protect brand.

 

i think it's directly related to Jeff's annoyance at people viewing the concert through an LCD screen rather than directly through their own eyes.

[u2roolz]

I think this is the sole reason for the "new" policy.

[roadhse ma]

I understand that at some shows U2 Springsteen* used to have Very Strong enforcement only in the Pit

It seems to me,we have arrived at a point that actually embraces the Cell/Camera Shots at Stadium Shows too large a crowd and it is shall a say expected esp @ U2 Bono asks for lit up phones on occasion.

 

Moving Forward on This Tour Some of my thought's

 

Terrific Rooms for these Boys to Play in Especially in what amount to 1/2 acoustic Fantastic.

 

It is a good idea to be : Thinking of those around you not just w/use of the Camera but Chatter and Timing of Beer/Bathroom breaks would be appreciated.

e.g.

Last Tour this happened at the Orpheum in Boston.

 

Neil Young did Not Allow Liquids of any kind to be brought into hall untill after intermission.

 

I like Beer /Water but Hearing Neil Live is much Better and rarer as time, she marches on. (Dream came true when Wilco /Neil happened Dec.08)

 

So some friendly audience policing re cameras .. smile and mention the guy w/ blackberry if he likes his seat he should stop shooting, if he says w/Slurry words it's my Problem don't Worry... it will be.

See ya @ RI Boston NH ..

[willywoody]

from reading other recent threads around here, it may have to do with people filming the band rather than photos. unfortunately, with new phones and cameras it's hard to police who is filming and who is just snapping a photo. Jeff supposedly got on someone in Miami, read about it in that thread.