11-07-2025
Bob Dylan announces controversial new concert rule for UK tour all fans must follow
Bob Dylan has announced a controversial new concert rule for his UK tour that all fans must follow.
The music legend, 84, is set to perform 13 gigs across UK and Ireland later this year amid the epic Rough and Rowdy Ways tour.
And now, the Blowin' In The Wind hitmaker has imposed a phone ban inside during his shows, ensuring a tech-free experience.
That doesn't come as a completely new rule to the singer who, just like his previous tours in 2022 and 2024, is in partnership with Yondr - which will prohibit the use of video cameras and mobile phones, making the occasion even more unique.
Ahead of the gig start, staff will help ticketholders put their phones in a locked and secure pouch, which fans will keep with them throughout the evening.
In the event of an emergency, attendees can unlock their phones at any time by going to a dedicated and signposted area, intended for phone use.
More A-list artists have used this system, including the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Jack White and The Lumineers.
The Knockin' On Heaven's Door favourite will visit Swansea, Coventry, Leeds, Glasgow, Belfast, Killarney and Dublin.
Tickets the UK shows go on sale from Planet Rock Tickets at 10am on Friday 18th July.
Last year, fans of the singer stormed social media to share their opinion on the strict rule, as they wrote:
'Bob Dylan wants phone free concerts. Where your phone is locked in a provided bag until the concert ends. What mad times we have arrived at'.
'Can understand them wanting people to be more present in the moment, but at the same time it would be weird not being able to take any photos or videos! At least they don't take the phones off you, just lock their usage…'
Meanwhile other fans applauded Bob for banning camera devices, remarking the excited to 'live in the moment', penning on X (formerly Twitter):
'Fair play to Bob Dylan banning mobile homes at his gigs, people need to learn how to live in the moment & just enjoy the show.'
Last year, fans of the singer stormed social media to share their opinion on the strict rule
Meanwhile other fans applauded Bob for banning camera devices as they are excited to 'live in the moment'
'Fantastic about time gigs were like this, actually listen and engage with the artist you've paid so much money to watch….not through your phone screen. Well done Bob'.
'Done this at his shows the last couple of times his toured England. Surely people can be without their phones for 1.5 hours also if you are desperate to check it you can just go back outside.'
'Phones, shouldn't be in his gigs anyway, as it'd spoil the atmosphere.'
Dylan will finish the US leg of his The Rough and Rowdy Ways tour in September before jetting across the pond to kick off the European leg in Prague, Czech Republic on October 4.
