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Fans Crave Authenticity; Artists Ban Phones at Shows

5/25/2026

35 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky and COLORSxSTUDIOS found 90 % of fans value authenticity with artists.
A survey of 9,000 fans in nine countries showed 84 % value unexpected, unscripted moments.
The poll reported 60 % see live performances as a powerful engagement tool.
Jack White, Bob Dylan, Placebo and Ghost have banned phones, with Ghost saying they hinder engagement and Billie Eilish saying they keep fans connected.

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Story summary

Ballantine’s Scotch Whisky and COLORSxSTUDIOS found 90 % of fans value authenticity with artists.
A survey of 9,000 fans in nine countries showed 84 % value unexpected, unscripted moments.
The poll reported 60 % see live performances as a powerful engagement tool.
Jack White, Bob Dylan, Placebo and Ghost have banned phones, with Ghost saying they hinder engagement and Billie Eilish saying they keep fans connected.