petergabriel.com

Hi, I will see my first show of Peter Gabriel in September when he'll comes to Montreal. Steve Hackett is allowing pictures, etc. Some other bands, just pictures without any flash. So, is Peter allowing taking pictures normally during its tours? If yes, I'll rent a objective for the show! Thanks.

In my experience with concerts these days... Allowed: phone cameras, small digital cameras Not allowed: any video taking of any type, larger SLR type camera (often referred to as "professional type" cameras) Use of cameras is typically up to the promoter, not the venue, so our best guide may be those who are at the early concerts (of course, you are at the second date so be sure to let us know). For the New Blood Tour I was allowed to use my little Cannon Elf and got some great photos. I plan to bring it again this year and get some awesome sound check and front row shots. (4 weeks and counting! Weeeeeeeeeeee!)

I contacted Evenko, which is the company organizing both show in the province of Quebec, and they confirmed what you said. Professional type cameras are not allowed, but small cameras and cellular are tolerated. «Cependant l’utilisation d’une caméra non-professionnelle (sans longues lentilles) ainsi que les cellulaires sont tolérés.» (Evenko)

I doubt anyone can help, but I thought I would piggyback on this thread (apologies to CptSky) and ask here since it's sort of related. For the Santa Barbara, CA show, the SB Bowl does not allow cameras (or even cel phone use) unless the artist says it is okay. Most of the venues in this town are like that because they don't want phones/cameras being distractions to the general audience. At last year's PG show at the SB Bowl, they didn't allow cameras and it was disappointing. But if there's some kind of advance notification by PG's people to the venue, then the venue will allow it. For example, when Radiohead played there in April, there told the SB Bowl to allow cameras. So does anyone know how one could achieve this with PG's tour manager or something?

Hey Klingklang, Your question is a very valid one and it's true that all of the rules for all of the shows are dictated by the artists themselves (other than the basic rules of the building and fire codes, that is). So, the use of cameras is worked out beforehand and what I have found over the past few years is that they realize you can't stop cell phones from coming inside. If they do a complete bag check and see a camera they will be obligated to have you return it, etc., but if they don't see it, they don't see it When it comes time for the show -- do not use flash and your photos will actually come out better and the best thing to do is play it by ear -- be discreet and if security asks you to stop taking photos -- do that -- stop and put your camera away. I actually do not take photos during the show because I don't want to miss anything -- I leave that to the artful eye of others. Also, any pics that I have chosen to take always end up blurred or with hands and heads in front, so it's just frustrating. Good luck with the photos and have a great time at the show!

Thank you Pat for the kind reply. I do never use a flash, but the display on my camera does not have a brightness level that I can lower (it's really bright!). So it's difficult not be noticed by an usher. They don't forbid people to bring in their phones (they definitely forbid cameras), but if they see a person taking a photo or filming with their phone or even just looking at their phone, an usher will tell that person to stop. So it's not worth trying. It's easier when it's still bright outside to get away with it, but not by the time it's dark (when all those screens are easily spotted). I just thought because cameras are allowed at most PG shows and he's not against their use, it would be so much easier if that fact was shared beforehand to the SB Bowl through official channels (since the venue does't care what a fan has to say about the matter). Thanks again!

In Quebec yesterday we took pictures and a few others did the same around us. Some were taking videos on their smartphones. There were no problems or restrictions from the promoter or others. We had an iPod an a small digital camera. I needed to buy a new one recently and it did a great job on the zoom getting that close up from the 5th row. Tomorrow in Mtl I'll be in 3rd row center so it should make for better pictures. Since I was off to the side yesterday I did great 'far shots' and a few good 'close ups'. My little camera had a surprisingly strong zoom feature. The only problem was the 'holding still as much as possible' which was hard to to. Some close ups came out great though. I think this kind of picture taking is allowed because they never turn up excellent pictures. They're more for our own 'souvenir / nostalgia' and they never go much further than that. Of course a lot go on Facebook and get shared but they're never high quality. Now if people were to take pics with professional equipment that would be a different story for the production and the crowd not being able to see well because John Doe is holding his camera in front of their view.