Chrissie Hynde Wants Fans to Stop Bringing Their Phones Out at Concerts: ‘It Reminds Me of Monkeys Wanking’

Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer of The Pretenders, has recently voiced her discontent regarding the increasing trend of concertgoers recording performances on their smartphones. In a candid social media post, the 74-year-old musician shared her frustrations and sought to understand why audiences feel the need to document every moment, particularly at concerts and museums.

Hynde raised a series of questions directed at her followers, posing, “What is it with people and their phones?” She expressed her disbelief at the obsession with tracking daily activities like step counts and questioned the necessity of capturing images or footage during live events. “Why do people have to film or take pictures at concerts or museums? Why???” she implored.

The issue came to her attention during a dinner with American country music icon Emmylou Harris, where the two discussed their experiences with fans using their phones at performances. Hynde remarked how, despite clear prohibitions communicated by venues, many attendees still insist on filming, demonstrating an unsettling sense of entitlement. “It’s as if the artist’s wishes are rendered meaningless,” she noted.

Among her comments, Hynde praised Bob Dylan’s stringent no-phone policy at his shows. While she appreciates the effort to limit distractions, she lamented the inconvenience of having attendees seal their phones in bags instead of simply adhering to the artist’s request. Hynde likened the situation to “monkeys wanking in full view” in a zoo, highlighting the absurdity of such behaviour in the context of live music. She suggested that the persistent presence of smartphones during performances is akin to a “mosquito buzzing around your head,” which can disrupt both the artist’s performance and the audience’s experience.

Reflecting on her experiences, Hynde recounted a recent performance by Harris at the Royal Albert Hall where the concert was marred by a bright screen in front of her. This distraction continued throughout the show until someone finally confronted the offending audience member, who responded dismissively. Hynde also shared her dissatisfaction after attending a theatrical performance by Sarah Snook, which was similarly disrupted by phone use.

Furthermore, Hynde expressed her disillusionment with visiting museums, stating that her enjoyment has been significantly diminished by the common sight of visitors blocking masterpieces with their phones in order to capture images. Describing a visit to a Vincent van Gogh exhibition, she referred to those using their devices as “morons,” highlighting the detrimental effect that such behaviour has on the experience of viewing art.

In a broader commentary on society’s fascination with documenting life through screens, she proclaimed, “If Jesus Christ were to walk into a room the first thing everyone would do would be to pull out their phone.” This statement underscores her concern regarding the prioritisation of digital documentation over real-time enjoyment and appreciation of experiences.

The conversation surrounding phone use at events is not unique to Hynde. Many artists, such as Jack White, have proactively banned phones from their shows, drawing inspiration from comedians who similarly discourage phone use during performances. White explained this policy by emphasising the importance of audience engagement, noting that a performer’s ability to read the crowd can be severely hampered by distractions.

Similarly, pop star Sabrina Carpenter has expressed her appreciation for events where phones were locked away, stating that while she understands the desire to create memories, there may come a time when she considers enforcing a ban on devices at her own shows. Carpenter’s sentiments reflect a growing desire within the music industry to reclaim the intimacy and authenticity of live performances.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the concert landscape will shift back towards a more phone-free environment. Hynde’s candid remarks highlight a shared frustration among many artists and attendees who long for a return to genuine connection, free from the glare of smartphone screens.