Unplugged: Garth Brooks Guides Dolly Parton, Ed Sheeran as Tech-Averse Hollywood Icons

The prevalence of smartphones in today’s society is undeniable, and even celebrities find it difficult to detach themselves from these devices. However, a few individuals are bucking the trend and taking a firm stance against technology, whether it be for personal reasons, professional motivations, or a combination of both.

Recently, country music sensation Garth Brooks made headlines with his upcoming Las Vegas residency, slated to commence on May 18. What sets his show apart is his “no phones” policy, which has garnered considerable attention. According to Ticketmaster’s website, attendees of The Garth Brooks/Plus One residency at Caesars Palace will be required to scan their tickets and subsequently place their phones in Yondr cases, which can only be unlocked at the conclusion of the performance.

The website clarifies that guests will retain possession of their phones throughout the event, with designated Phone Use Areas available for accessing their devices. However, all phones must be re-locked in Yondr cases before returning to the performance space. It is worth noting that any individual caught using a cellphone during the show will be promptly removed from the venue, as stated in the event description.

Although this policy may seem stringent, fans need not worry about missing out on capturing memories. By scanning a QR code, they can still access professional pictures from the performance, ensuring that they can relive the experience without compromising the artist’s vision.

When Brooks initially announced his residency last autumn, he emphasized that each show would be unique and unpredictable. “Any given night can have any given variation of any given song,” he revealed in a press release.

Garth Brooks is not the sole celebrity distancing himself from technology. Other stars have openly expressed their disinterest, dislike, or general distaste for being constantly available in the digital realm. This growing trend of detaching from technology indicates a yearning for personal space, privacy, and a break from the incessant connectivity of modern life.

Dolly Parton

In a surprising revelation, Miley Cyrus, the goddaughter of country music icon Dolly Parton, shared an interesting tidbit about Parton’s communication preferences. During an appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” last year, Cyrus disclosed that Parton prefers to be reached via fax.

The conversation arose in the context of the Super Bowl commercial they both starred in for T-Mobile, which promoted the slogan “Do It For the Phones.” Cyrus humorously pointed out the irony, saying, “Which was amazing because she was doing it for the phones, yet every time I coordinate and communicate with Dolly, it’s still through fax.”

Meyers and Cyrus bantered about the commercial possibly being misleading, but Cyrus clarified the intricate process involved in their communication. She explained, “We do use the phone, but she does a fax and then someone scans the fax, and then they put it into a text message and then that gets sent to me.”

Despite the unconventional and seemingly convoluted system, Cyrus expressed her appreciation for the “letters” she receives from Parton. She remarked that it’s a meaningful gesture, noting, “It’s not casual, you know, that she took the time to get out, I guess, her typewriter,” alluding to Parton’s commitment to the old-fashioned method.

Cyrus further added a touch of humor, suggesting that Parton does possess a phone but chooses not to use it personally, speculating that someone likely handles her phone-related tasks on her behalf.

This revelation offers a glimpse into Parton’s unique communication style and highlights her fondness for traditional methods, even in an era dominated by advanced technology.

Ed Sheeran

In 2015, Ed Sheeran consciously reduced his social media usage to avoid excessive engagement. He temporarily stepped away from apps like Twitter and Instagram, expressing that he felt disconnected from the world, observing it through a screen rather than experiencing it directly with his own eyes.

 

 

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In a surprising revelation, Ed Sheeran disclosed his gradual transition away from smartphones and social media. In 2017, he downgraded to a non-smartphone, astonishing his friend Adele. Later, in an interview, he mentioned not carrying a phone at all, stating that getting rid of it in 2015 had a liberating effect on him, lifting a metaphorical veil and aiding his mental well-being.

Ed Sheeran has found a balanced approach to staying connected by relying on email communication. He shared that he sets aside dedicated time every few days to answer a batch of 10 emails, allowing him to manage his correspondence without feeling overwhelmed. This method not only benefits his mental health but also ensures uninterrupted quality time with loved ones in person.

Hugh Grant

Hugh Grant, known for his role in “Love, Actually,” expressed his belief that cellphones have had a negative impact on film sets, albeit for a cheeky reason. During an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” he humorously remarked that the prevalence of cellphones has changed the dynamic of film production.

Grant nostalgically recalled the “old days” when cast and crew members would bond over drinks, dinners, and even fall in love with each other during the course of a film shoot. However, he attributed the decline of such interactions to the intrusion of telephones, as everyone tends to go home and engage with social media platforms like Twitter instead.

Colbert playfully questioned Grant on whether he thought the absence of phones would lead to an increase in on-set affairs, to which Grant amusingly responded in the affirmative. He further mentioned that acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino, who bans phones from his sets, is right in doing so, hinting that it may result in some romantic entanglements among the cast and crew.

Grant did not disclose whether he personally carries a phone, but he did emphasize that he doesn’t have a social media presence. His lighthearted comments shed light on the perceived impact of cellphones on the social dynamics and interactions that used to be prevalent on film sets.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber, who rose to fame on YouTube, has adopted a mindful approach to social media and phone usage. In an interview with Billboard, he revealed that he no longer owns a cellphone and instead uses an iPad to communicate with his management team after 6 p.m. This deliberate decision allows him to set boundaries and prioritize his personal life, particularly spending time with his wife, Hailey Bieber.

Bieber emphasized that he has learned the importance of saying no and establishing firm boundaries. While he continues to share updates on social media, he recognizes that he doesn’t owe anyone constant availability. Acknowledging his desire to help others, he also acknowledges the need for sustainability and balance.

In recent posts, Bieber used social media to inform his fans about his Ramsay Hunt syndrome diagnosis, which led to the cancellation of his tour dates. He shared a video demonstrating the paralysis on one side of his face, explaining his physical incapacity to continue performing. He expressed his frustration but emphasized the importance of taking the time to rest and recover in order to ultimately return to what he loves.

Bieber’s journey reflects his commitment to self-care and his understanding of the significance of mental and physical well-being. Despite his reduced presence on Twitter, he continues to connect with fans through Instagram, sharing updates and messages that resonate with his followers.

Sir Elton John

Renowned musician Sir Elton John has embraced a cellphone-free lifestyle, asserting that it has significantly improved his quality of life. During an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in 2013, he expressed his contentment, highlighting the absence of incessant phone calls that can disrupt one’s peace.

Although he himself does not carry a phone, he acknowledged that a member of his entourage does. Elton John shared that he personally could not bear the constant presence of a phone but uses an iPad for communication purposes, primarily for staying connected with his children and engaging in video calls when he is away from them.

The singer, known for hits like “Crocodile Rock,” leads a fulfilling life, finding joy in his family and the balance he has achieved by minimizing his phone usage. With two children born via surrogacy to his husband, David Furnish, Elton John appreciates the ability to connect with his loved ones through technology while maintaining a healthy distance from the distractions of constant phone calls.

Chris Pine

Despite his role in the futuristic “Star Trek” film series, actor Chris Pine revealed his preference for low-tech devices. During an interview on the “Happy, Sad, Confused” podcast in 2022, Pine confessed to using a flip phone for three years before finally succumbing to an upgrade.

Pine described his experience with analog devices as challenging and felt overwhelmed by the simplicity of it. However, upon switching to a smartphone, he found it to be highly addictive, causing a significant shift in his habits. Previously an avid reader, consuming about 15 books per month, Pine lamented that his newfound smartphone obsession left him more informed about celebrity gossip than literature.

Expressing a desire to return to his old phone, Pine acknowledged the toll that excessive smartphone usage can have on his well-being and soul. Despite the allure of advanced technology, Pine’s personal experience has made him question whether he can handle its addictive nature.

The actor’s candid remarks shed light on the struggles and consequences of smartphone dependence, highlighting the potential impact on one’s interests and overall sense of balance.

Dierks Bentley

Country artist Dierks Bentley had a clear objective when he went phone shopping in 2020. In an interview with People, he shared his request for the “cheapest, lowest tech phone” available, much to the salesperson’s disappointment.

While others were clamoring for the latest iPhone, Bentley opted for a flip phone, which he purchased for a mere 99 cents. Although it features a camera for his children’s sake, it remains a basic device.

The country star expressed his satisfaction with embracing an old-school approach, citing his growing aversion to constant connectivity. Bentley aimed to strike a balance by prioritizing phone calls over excessive texting and reducing the compulsion to check his phone incessantly throughout the day. His decision to revert to a simpler phone represents his desire to reintroduce elements of the past into his life.