BBC viewers were left frustrated by the number of people filming Calvin Harris' live performance at Hampden Park on their phones, rather than soaking in the atmosphere. The Scottish DJ's homecoming show, broadcast live on BBC One on Saturday night (August 1), sparked a mixed reaction on social media.
Fans Criticize Phone Filming
As the performance aired, several music fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their annoyance at the crowd's behavior. One person sarcastically wrote: "Just watching Calvin Harris on BBC1. Wonder if anyone in the crowd filmed it?" Another added: "Nothing like being in the moment. Watching it through their mobiles - might as well saved the ticket price and watch on TV!"
A third commented: "It's a shame isn't it man! I like taking the odd video just to capture the atmosphere, maybe just over the drop of a tune... but you see some folk Snapchat stories and they have about half an hour of content, just enjoy the moment." Someone else pleaded: "For the love of god, put your phones away and just dance."
Others Praise the Broadcast
Meanwhile, other viewers were thrilled that the concert was being shown live on television. One person wrote: "Whoever at the BBC decided to put this Calvin Harris concert on TV needs a pay rise. What a set!!!" Another added: "Calvin Harris on @BBC on a Saturday night is the first time I've said this is why we pay for the TV license. And we love rock and metal but we're having a great night!"
A fourth viewer shared: "Calvin Harris gig tonight at Hampden currently on BBC1. Looks absolutely bouncing, dashing and rather wonderful." Another echoed the sentiment, saying: "Calvin Harris playing an absolutely banging set so far."
A Historic Homecoming
Calvin Harris returned to Glasgow's legendary stadium for a hugely anticipated show, celebrating an extraordinary 20-year career. The prolific hitmaker has amassed over 56 billion streams, won multiple awards, and boasts 11 UK number one singles, making him the dance act with the most chart-topping records in history.
Just 20 years after playing his first ever gig to around 300 people at Glasgow's King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Calvin transformed the national stadium into a giant open-air club. Over two hours, he performed a career-spanning set packed with era-defining anthems, spectacular production, and euphoric moments for more than 50,000 fans.
Speaking ahead of the broadcast, Jonathan Rothery, head of BBC Popular Music TV, said: "There are few artists who have shaped contemporary dance music quite like Calvin Harris. We are delighted to bring his landmark homecoming show from Glasgow to audiences right across the UK, giving millions of fans the chance to be part of what promises to be a truly special night."
Calvin Harris: Live from Scotland is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
