Given his long-held status as one of the world's most iconic singers and songwriters, it could perhaps be assumed that fans of Bob Dylan would never take issue with the way in which he conducts his own live performances.

However, Dylan's recent announcement of a ban on camera-equipped cell phones in which he will no longer permit attendees to bring such devices into his shows has divided devotees and sparked heated debate, as the Daily Mail reports.

Rules for upcoming tour announced

The octogenarian star revealed plans for several U.K. tour dates later in 2024 in support of Rough and Rowdy Ways, his latest album.

Among the anticipated stops on Dylan's tour are the towns of London, Nottingham, Edinburgh, and Wolverhampton, and at each of the venues, fans will be prohibited from using phones equipped with cameras.

The policy will be enforced via the mandatory use of specialized pouches into which attendees will place their phones prior to the start of the performance.

These pouches are designed to close automatically, and concertgoers will be unable to retrieve or access their phones until show has concluded and they are departing the performance location.

Plan spurs debate

Not surprisingly, the policy has caused a split of opinion among Dylan's fan base and concert aficionados in general.

Discussion of the topic grew heated on social media, with one X user declaring, “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.”

Another commenter also expressed a sense of irritation over the concept, writing, “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!”

The other side of the coin was also well-represented, however, with one user musing, “Fair play to Bob Dylan banning mobile phones at his gigs, people need to learn how to live in the moment & just enjoy the show.”

Another supporter of the policy stated, “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.”

Phone bans gain steam

Dylan is by no means the other high-profile entertainer who has sought to halt the excessive use of cell phones during concerts, with no less than Madonna having done the same during her “Madame X” tour back in 2019.

R&B star Lalah Hathaway also famously joined the likes of rapper Kendrick Lamar and comedian Dave Chappelle in chiding concert attendees who feel compelled to use their phones during her performances, as Ebony reported at the time, with the renowned songstress declaring, “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 you is from my heart -- and is MY intellectual property. If you do NOT get it – please stay home.”

Notably, it is not just within the realms of pop, country, or R&B where the use of cell phones has caused controversy and consternation, with violin virtuoso Anne Sophie Mutter having also made her position clear during a Cincinnati performance in which she told a spectator, “Either I will leave, or you will put away your phone and recording device,” in a bold move that Dylan would assuredly endorse.