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And Finally
Queen’s music man wants fines for mid-concert phone calls
By CMU Editorial | Published on Tuesday 21 June 2011
Peter Maxwell Davies, who takes the title of Master of the Queen’s Music, reckons there should be a system for fining audience members who let their phones ring during cultural performances. Monies taken could be given to the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund, he reckons.
I should add that he probably said this a little in jest, though you sense his frustration with mid-concert mobile ringing is genuine. He told the BBC: “I would just love to see something where people would be fined… and that the money went to the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund. It’s becoming such a plague that one has to say something”.
A spokesman for the Royal Household told the Beeb that these were Maxwell Davies’ own opinions, and not those of the Queen. Though perhaps this does mean I could get royal approval for my ‘audience vetting’ scheme, where gig-goers would have to be tested and licensed to get into any venue where I go to see bands. I’m not so bothered about phones though, more inconsiderate gig chatterers.
