Chrissie Hynde, the renowned frontwoman of The Pretenders, has publicly expressed her dismay regarding the pervasive use of mobile phones at live events. In a widely shared message across her social media platforms, she drew an unconventional and stark comparison, likening the incessant filming and photography by concert attendees to crude animalistic behavior. This strong stance underscores a growing sentiment among performers who feel their art is devalued and disrupted by audience distraction, despite clear requests for attention and respect.
Hynde's candid letter shared on her social media platforms, articulates a frustration shared by many artists. She describes the compulsive need to record performances as a 'weird compulsion' that audiences struggle to control. This issue, she notes, is a frequent topic of conversation among artists, creating an 'unpleasant fug' that overshadows the performance experience. Despite venues often displaying 'NO CAMERAS' signs, these requests are frequently ignored, leading to a sense of entitlement among attendees who prioritize personal recordings over the live artistic moment.
She specifically recalled an instance at an Emmylou Harris concert in London, where a fellow audience member's phone use obstructed her view. When challenged, the individual dismissively retorted, "Mind your own business." A similar incident occurred during a theatrical performance by Sarah Snook in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' further solidifying Hynde's belief that this behavior is disrespectful and widespread. Her concern extends beyond live music, encompassing art exhibitions where people use phones to photograph paintings, leading her to avoid such public displays entirely. Hynde sarcastically muses that even a profound event like the appearance of Jesus Christ would be met with immediate phone recordings, questioning the underlying reasons for this modern compulsion.
While acknowledging that some pop artists encourage filming for social media engagement, Hynde champions musicians like Bob Dylan, who enforce strict no-phone policies. Dylan's approach involves requiring phones to be secured in special pouches, yet even his considerable stature doesn't entirely deter determined individuals from attempting to sneak in devices. This highlights the deep-seated challenge artists face in reclaiming the live experience from digital intrusion.
With The Pretenders having recently concluded a break from touring and Hynde announcing the completion of a new album with guitarist James Walbourne, she anticipates returning to the stage next year. She extended a warm message to her dedicated fans, expressing how much she misses their presence, even jokingly acknowledging past instances where she might have unintentionally offended some by requesting they move back to allow new faces closer to the stage. She reiterates her affection for her audience and her constant search for familiar faces in the crowd, despite any past misunderstandings.
As The Pretenders prepare for future tours, Hynde's message serves as a clear appeal to concertgoers. Her heartfelt request for audiences to keep their phones turned off during performances is a plea for renewed focus on the present moment and a deeper engagement with the live music experience. It is a reminder that the essence of a live show lies in shared experience and appreciation, unmediated by glowing screens.