Lalah Hathaway Begs Her Fans To Stop Recording Her Concerts

But not everyone shares her point of view.

I’ve had the privilege of attending a Lalah Hathaway show and it truly was a memorable experience. This was years ago and during the show, Hathaway explained very patiently and very kindly that if people were going to record or take pictures, be sure not to use the flash. With the exception of a few stragglers who likely couldn’t figure out how to turn their flash off, people complied. But since then, Hathaway has tightened her rules a bit. She’d rather audience members not take pictures, livestream or video record her concerts at all. Sadly, the folks who attended her recent show in Dallas didn’t take her seriously. And afterward, she issued this statement.

I cannot communicate how frustrated I was tonight in Dallas at the HOB. Most of the audience was indeed respectful, enjoying the music and the moments, and super engaged; I appreciate that more than you’ll ever know… My people. You are not at the zoo. You are not the paparazzi. Put your phone down at my show. Please don’t record me, or take pictures of my show. Do not stream my show or instaLive my work. It is SUPER distracting, and rude to the people around you. Your flash is annoying and draws me out of my space- which I am working to create- for YOU. If you paid for a ticket, it makes no sense to me at all why you would watch the show thru a cell phone…but that is your business. Going forward, I have a zero tolerance policy toward phones. If you need to check on your children, or look at the weather, or check your Instagram feed, or play candy crush- please step out of the venue and into the hallway or lobby. What I give to you is from my heart- and is MY intellectual property. If you do NOT get it- please stay home. Your energy is not welcomed, and you will be asked to leave- and escorted out of the venue- WITH your cellphone. I am truly over it at this point.

A post shared by Lalah Hathaway (@lalahhathaway) on Feb 21, 2018 at 12:00am PST

In the age of smartphones that never leave our palms, much less our sides, the statement is certainly thought provoking. See what people had to say about her request and her annoyance once it was not honored.

#1

I disagree! Ppl been taking pictures at concerts for years. That's the LOVE from FANS. Social media & phones is important to her FANS. Memories saved for LOVE. If Michael Jackson can handle it & respect it she can too. Talking down on my state will get her losing fans 💯

— Dramatiq da Producer (@dramatiq00) February 22, 2018

#2

Can I just say camera phones weren’t popular during the days of Michael Jackson so watching DVDs of his tour THEY LIVED IN THE MOMENT but when you’re trying to enjoy the show and someone next to you is talking on LIVE 🙄🙄

— the Melodic Sound🕯 (@IAmYalla) February 22, 2018

#3

@lalahhathaway do like Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock. Make them lock their phones away when in the venue. It works.

— moya harris 👊🏾 (@rdeemed70) February 21, 2018

#4

It's insane that people have become so disconnected that instead of connecting to the moment they'd rather connect to a device so others can peer into a moment in their lives. Some moments are for you, not ur social network. And besides, folx hardly go back and enjoy the vids!!

— Divinity Roxx (@diviroxx) February 21, 2018

#5

Lalah I must admit I am guilty for snapping a pic or two at Yoshi's in Oakland before. I've even recorded a 15 sec video, I am truly sorry you make a valid point! You have the most amazing talent! Please forgive me

— Techia Stanton (@TechiaStanton1) February 27, 2018

#6

This is how I feel when I go to concerts. I came to watch with my eyes only. And it's disrespectful when people record concerts & put it on YouTube before anybody gets to see the show. Artists like to surprise their fans, but some disrespectful fans love to spoil it for everybody

— Shannon Love (@MissesShannonMJ) February 21, 2018

#7

Yes! Listen up people!!! Honestly if put your phone down and pay attention to the show with your own eyes and ears, like I prefer to, your memory of the show will outshine the damn recording. Lalah is an artist you have to FEEL not just hear!!

— EnviroMum (@monchichimo) February 21, 2018

#8

You need to be lucky that people are even going to your concerts

— ☁️ (@shawnallenlive) February 22, 2018

#9

I UNDERSTAND THE MUSICIAN'S PLIGHT, but having fans escorted out by security is Trumpian N tone. Audiences R as precious as the artists they support. Few R making money from phone footage. Bootleg YouTube uploads played a huge role in exposing U 2 wider crowds in the 1st place.

— Basil (@Basiloil) February 27, 2018

#10

Also not for nothing but these are your customers you are yelling at

— Is This Hell? (@WattleOfBits) February 22, 2018