Live music lovers in the city are still lost in music despite a national trend of bad behaviour at gigs.

Fans glued to phone screens, heckling and even reading books mid-concert have been reported across the UK.

There has even been fans shouting at acts such as Harry Styles to make social media posts mid-set and people chattering away during songs like they were down the pub.

But Norwich's venues say the trend of audience "disconnect" has not made it to the Fine City, reporting "better than expected" crowds in 2022.

Rick Lennox, live music manager at Epic Studios said he felt crowds were appreciating being back in a live space and giving the artists their full attention.   

Norwich Evening News:

He said: "We're not getting that sort of behaviour en masse.

"People are glad to be back and have been really engaged, I'd say the crowds have been better than expected this year.

"There's nothing worse than people chatting during an act, you can understand reaction to the band but it's annoying when it's continuous.

"It's disrespectful - we don't get it a lot. Occasionally we get chattering at the bar but it's mostly respectful."

Norwich Evening News:

He said a bigger issue for the venue was ticket holders who do not turn up.

Mr Lennox added: "One irritating thing is we still get the 30 odd who have bought a ticket and don't turn up after paying £25 for a ticket.

"But it's not a cheap night so I can understand it to a point."

And it's not just the city's band lovers who have been giving artists a special welcome.

Norwich Evening News:

Atti Cesi, manager of Gonzo's Tea Room, said he felt the venue was attracting true dance music fans who only use their phones to get a snapshot of the evening. 

He said: "We're getting the best atmosphere on weekends, but even on weekdays we have a good crowd of regulars coming to enjoy the DJs.

Norwich Evening News:

"It's a great atmosphere and I think that's partly due to being one of the few places in Norwich that opens really late.

"Everyone who comes here loves the music, even if they're on their phone they are  sharing videos and pictures of the events and tagging us in it, there's no disconnect."