Madonna bans mobile phones during first Madame X tour show

Madonna has banned fans from using their phones during her Madame X tour.

The Like A Prayer hitmaker kicked off the 92-date run at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Tuesday. While standing in line, eager ticket holders noticed signs explaining that mobiles had to be locked away in special ‘Yondr’ cases that could only be opened in designated areas throughout the duration of the concert.

If attendees were found using their phones while the Queen of Pop was on stage, their devices would reportedly be confiscated by stadium staff.

According to the Daily Mirror, concertgoers were informed about the ban via email prior to the show.

Some fans took to social media to share their support of the policy, with one tweeting: “I think, Live show is the best experience to catch with the naked feel, that's not gallery for record. and then It will be memory in your heart stronger than any digital media.”

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“All the f***ing whinging on about the no phone rule at #madamex oh my god just shut up,” another added. “Its normal policy for theatres plus I’ve had previous M concerts ruined by people holding phones up. I’m super happy it’s a phone free zone.”

Others, however, weren’t so thrilled.

“That’s rich and hypocritical for Madonna fandom to come for people using cell phones in concerts considering we constantly watch, enjoy, tweet and share countless live footage shared from people that recorded her shows in previous tours,” wrote another.

“No cell phones, eh? Why not? Why do you care? You’ve already sold the ticket,” a fourth continued. “Who cares if they even show up as long as there are ticket sales, right? Its all about the money, money, money.”

A couple of fans even pointed out that there are potential safety risks of not being able to access one’s phone quickly.

“Given the unfortunate tragedy at the Ariana Grande concert, there is a valid reason for people to need to keep their phones on them. I don’t agree with the Madonna cell phone policy.”

Madonna isn’t the first artist to encourage audience members to avoid watching a live music performance through a phone screen and engage in the full experience instead.

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Jack White and Alicia Keys have both staged such shows, while Beyonce and Adele are among those who have publicly condemned people filming during their gigs.

Elsewhere, promoters have been actively trying to lessen the amount of tour footage that makes it online as it lessens demand for tour DVDs and other merchandise.