Almost every time I go to a pop concert, there’s a thing where they aim spotlights into the audience. I really hate this. Bright lights shining into my eyes annoy me. Why do they do this?
So the crew recording the performance can get a shot of the crowd’s reaction?
If the concert is being filmed at all they want a lighted shot?
There are theories that people who might be doing something illicit tend to knock it off of there’s a chance that a light might suddenly be shines on them?
The performers have spent the entire time with lights in their eyes and they occasionally like to get a look at their audience?
You know people think there are only five members of Spinal Tap. But… they’re wrong. (cough, cough) / Could we turn up the house lights please? That was the cue to turn up the house lights so we could tell the audience they’re the sixth member of the freakin’ group.
Well that’s it, I think. It’s a way of making the audience feel included directly.
The Simpsons saves the day, again.
I guess I don’t mind if it happens every now in then, as to briefly light up the audience. What brought this complaint on specifically was that I went to a concert last night in which the opening act had a light shining directly into my eye for the entire set. I couldn’t even see the stage.
I always thought it was partly so the audience can see how big the audience is. It probably brings up the energy in the room.
Also, partly because, from what I understand, the performers, with the lights in their face, feel like they’re playing to an empty room. This would help them see the crowd.
“Let’s have a look how you look. We wanna see how beautiful you are. Ahh, New York, you’ve been talkin’ a lot, let’s have a look at you.”
—my favorite live album, Get Yer Ya-yas Out, by The Rolling Stones (recorded 1969)