Measures to curb 'chatter' during gigs considered

Concerns were raised after talking throughout concert in August 2024

Measures to reduce "chatter" during performances at a government-owned concert venue are being considered after complaints from some audience members.

Education, Sport and Culture Minister Daphne Caine said they included a sound recording ahead of shows at the Villa Marina's Royal Hall reminding audiences to limit conversation and extra security staff for larger gigs to "help mitigate" the issue.

Complaints were made about talking throughout Paolo Nutini's August show, leading to a plea for those attending a Squeeze gig days later to keep "conversation levels to a minimum".

Some concert goers have disagreed with the measures, whilst others support them branding those not listening as "rude".

Sonia Johnson said audience chatter could be off-putting for performers

Sonia Johnson from Onchan said said there was "no excuse" for talking through performances, as it was "rude and must be off putting to the artist".

"I find it really annoying when people talk when someone is performing," she said.

"Why pay for a ticket to catch up with someone when you could go for a coffee or to the pub?

"I don't understand why people would go to a gig and if you're not that interested."

Peel resident Jim Parkington said a "a bit of respect" was needed at quieter shows

Jim Parkington from Peel said it depended on the type of performance being put on.

"If its a rowdy performance a little bit of talking is okay, but if it's a quiet show a bit of respect is needed," he said.

He said in his experience people were "pretty sensible generally", but volume levels could rise "when people have had a few drinks".

"I went to a Motown gig that was that loud I couldn't hear myself think, so people were raising their voices and talking," he continued.

"But there was also a lot of people cheering and enjoying the show."

Maxine Hall thinks people should be able to have "a little chat" during live performances

But Maxine Hall from Ballasalla said she disagreed with the proposed measures because "people are at concerts to socialise, that's what you're going out for".

"If you're out with your friends you don't want to be quiet, you've not seen them for months," she said.

"It's alright to have a little chat, I don't think you're disturbing anybody, you're at a gig, it's not like it's not loud enough.

"I understand once the performance starts, maybe keep it down a little, but I just don't agree with having to be quiet."

Responding to a Tynwald written question, Caine said the VillaGaiety was "in the process of introducing the operational adjustments to promote audience awareness" of the "impact of conversations during performances for both audience members and performers".

She said it was hoped the moves, alongside the "careful monitoring" of the sound system for "quality and safe volume levels", would "have a positive impact".