Cell Phones: Ruining or Improving Concerts?

I was at the Dave Matthews concert over the weekend and cell phones have definitely replaced lighters as the light of choice for encores. But people aren’t just waving their phones at concerts – and artists and concert goers are divided about whether that’s a good thing. I would have gladly taken the phone away from the guy next to me who called everyone he knew to yell, “Dude, I’m at a Dave Matthews concert!”

But some artists have decided that fans are bringing their cell phones to shows, and they might as well involve them in making a better experience for everyone. Metal rockers Korn have allowed concert-goers to vote on which song will close the show. Other artists including Gwen Stefani have run in-concert contests for better seats, and at Lollapalooza one lucky fan won a guitar and the chance to play with Hold Steady.

Other than the U2 concert when Bono asked everyone to text in support of the One campaign, I haven’t attended any concerts with cell phone interactivity, though my friends and I have Twittered from shows. What’s been your experience? Have you participated in a contest? Did you receive any marketing messages after the show?