Selfie stick banned from gigs by major UK venues

Selfie sticks - as in, the long metallic poles that improve scope of selfies, with embarrassing consequences - are set to be banned from UK arenas.

In a report carried out by NME, London’s O2 Arena and Brixton Academy are set to participate in a ban, with SSE Wembley Arena also enforcing changes.

“Selfies are a big part of the gig experience,” a spokesperson told the publication. “The sticks might mean you are refused entry to the venue so our advice is don’t bring them and stick with the tried and tested use of an arm.”

The O2 Arena specifies: “The O2 do not allow selfie sticks into the arena due to safety considerations. We welcome selfies, but please leave the stick at home.”

This isn’t the first high-profile cull on the go-to 2014 gadget. Earlier this week, selfie sticks were banned from use in White Hart Lane by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Manchester United and Arsenal are also participating in a ban.