Selfie Sticks Banned by U.K. Music Venues

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The Academy Music Group -- which operates and manages 16 U.K. venues, including the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire and O2 Academy Birmingham -- has taken a similar stance and forbidden the devices in all its venues.

"This is in keeping with our existing policy that prohibits the filming and photography during a performance with iPads and other tablet devices and includes any such obstructions for the satisfaction of other customers," a spokesperson tells Billboard.

Selfie sticks -- extendable phone and camera holders that allow the user to take a wider image or group shot -- are also not welcome at the AEG-operated SSE Arena, Wembley, with a spokesperson for the 13,000-capacity venue stating that while "selfies are a big part of the gig experience, the sticks might mean you are refused entry to the venue."

"Our advice is don't bring them and stick with the tried-and-tested use of an arm," the spokesperson said, tongue planted firmly in cheek.

The curb on selfie sticks in British music venues follows similar measures being implanted in a string of football and sports arenas, including Manchester United's Old Trafford home, Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane.