iPhone Socio-Economics
Attending two very different concerts in the past month, I was struck by the stark difference in iPhone ownership.
First concert was a tribute to Joni Mitchell, held at the Sydney Opera House, featuring seven beautiful female singers (SMH). These women were truly awesome, especially in the fantastic acoustics of the Concert Hall. The event was refined and civilized, with many dressing up for the occasion and champagne at the interval. As I scanned the assembled crowd, I couldn’t help but notice the number of people sporting iPhones. There were at least half a dozen within my immediate vicinity, close enough that I could see what apps were on display. Overall, of the phones I spotted, I’d say at least 80% were iPhones.
The second concert, last night at the Sydney Football Stadium, was Pearl Jam, with Ben Harper in support. Another awesome concert, but this time more for its energy and volume, rather than its beauty. It was also hot, very hot. It was 41 Celsius outside the stadium, after the concert at 10:30pm, and it was much hotter inside during the show. As I looked across to the stage, rather than a sea of fans holding up lighter (as was the way, not that long ago), there was instead a sea of mobile phone screens, attempting to capture the moment on video. What really struck me, however (and I looked pretty hard) was that I never saw a single iPhone.
I’m not quite sure what to make of this. The Pearl Jam concert was more expensive, even drinks were dearer ($9 for a can of vodka and tonic! – about the same as a glass of champagne at the Opera House). Most of the crowd at the Pearl jam concert were, at a guess, 20 – 35, whereas most at the Jodi Mitchell tribute were over 35. Maybe younger people have got better things to spend their money on than pretentious iPhones. Maybe older people don’t! Either way, it was interesting to observe, although what it says about my taste in music is another matter.