Billie Eilish defends fans who film concerts with their smartphones: "It's part of digital culture"

In the midst of promotion for “Hit Me Hard And Soft – The Tour”, the 3D concert film made together with James Cameron, Billie Eilish has weighed in on the increasingly heated debate around smartphone use at concerts, taking a stance opposite to the one adopted in recent years by artists such as Tool, Jack White, Iron Maiden, Bob Dylan and Lcd Soundsystem, many of whom have limited or banned phones at their shows through systems like Yondr.

In an interview given to Nme, the American singer openly defended fans who film concerts on their phones, arguing that documenting every moment of a show has by now become an integral part of the contemporary music experience, especially for younger generations. "When I was little I used to go to concerts or festivals and film every single minute, then I'd watch every video back over and over, to the point of memorizing even the sound of the crowd. It's part of the culture. We're all on our damn phones, and it keeps us connected. It really does!" Eilish reiterated the same point when discussing the relationship between music and digital culture: "I just think that's how it is now. My generation, and even younger ones, love filming everything. That's what I do too, all the time: I film and photograph everything."

According to the American artist, her connection with the Internet and social media can't be separated from her career itself. "I wouldn't have a career without the Internet. I wouldn't have fans. I wouldn't have the relationship I have with the audience without the internet," she explained, recalling how the success of “Ocean Eyes” was born online back in 2015.

The statements come just weeks after the controversy that followed the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where a video of an almost motionless crowd during the joint performance by Sabrina Carpenter and Madonna to “Like A Prayer” sparked debate. The scene fueled fresh criticism of audiences seen as more focused on filming than on actually engaging with the show.

Gorillaz and Blur have also weighed in on the topic in the past. In particular, Damon Albarn called Coachella “the embodiment of today's social media”, while Jamie Hewlett joked: “It's the only festival where the phones aren't pointed at the stage, but at whoever's holding the phone”.

Eilish's interview was also an opportunity to reveal details about her next record, the follow-up to “Hit Me Hard And Soft”. The American pop star revealed she's currently deep into studio sessions: “We're working on new music, we're right in the thick of it”, the singer said, adding: “Honestly, we're having a lot of fun. We're having really good times, and maybe that means the record is going to suck, because I rarely have fun while making an album… But we're right in the middle of the work and it feels really good”.

The film “Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour (Live In 3D)” was co-directed by Eilish herself alongside James Cameron, the man behind monumental hits like “Titanic” and “Avatar”. Shot and presented entirely in 3D, the film aims to bring to the big screen the drama, physicality and visual evolution of a tour that has cemented the singer's status as one of the most influential voices of her generation. The trailer, released just hours ago, offers the first glimpse of a project that seems intent on pushing beyond the boundaries of the classic concert film, blending cinematic language with live impact.

Watch the trailer for the James Cameron and Billie Eilish film below.

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