The use of mobile phones and social media at live gigs has been a point of contention for some time now. Many hate it and think it’s a scourge on par with music piracy, others are too busy staring at their phones to notice.

We at Tone Deaf have been quite vocal about our opposition to the use of mobile phones at gigs. We’re of the opinion that you should keep your phone in your pocket during performances and limit yourself to one photo and/or selfie per show.

Many artists clearly agree. R&B superstar Alicia Keys recently made headlines after employing the use of Yondr, lockable pouches that create a “phone-free event”, at one of her latest shows, inspired by other artists who’ve done the same.

But it seems UK indie legends Radiohead don’t feel so militantly about the issue. As Consequence of Sound reports, Radiohead actually encouraged punters at one of their recent gigs to film and share their footage on social media.

If you thought having just one idiot standing in front of you watching the entire show through a mobile phone was annoying, you definitely did not want to be at Radiohead’s set during Iceland’s Secret Solstice festival over the weekend.

Apparently, all punters were given special WiFi codes that could be obtained through Twitter if you DM’d the account @doorisnowclosed or if you visited Radiohead’s W.A.S.T.E. Central site.

Armed with web access, punters were urged to Periscope portions of Radiohead’s set so that others around the world could enjoy it. It actually sounds rather lovely and kind-spirited. Then again, it also sounds bloody irritating.

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