Chrissie Hynde has criticised the growing use of mobile phones at concerts, saying artists are increasingly frustrated by fans filming performances instead of experiencing them in the moment.
The Pretenders frontwoman shared her views in a lengthy Instagram post, arguing that phone use has become a major distraction at live music events and claiming many performers feel the same way.
According to Hynde, the issue regularly comes up whenever she speaks to fellow musicians.
“Hi All! Question: What is it with people and their phones? Why do people have to know how many steps they take every day? What difference does it make?”
She added:
“But my real question is: why do people have to film or take pictures at concerts or museums? Why???”
Chrissie Hynde says artists hate fans filming concerts
Hynde revealed that she recently discussed the issue with fellow singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris while having dinner before Harris’ London concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
According to Hynde, frustration over audience phone use is widespread among performers.
“I was lucky enough to have dinner with Emmy Lou Harris (Goddess) the day before her London show at the Albert Hall. Our conversation naturally turned to people on their phones at concerts.”
She continued:
“This is a subject that comes up every time I meet any artist. It’s become like an unpleasant fug hanging over the head of all artists.”
Chrissie Hynde praises Bob Dylan’s phone ban at concerts
The singer pointed to Bob Dylan as an example of an artist actively tackling the issue.
Many of Dylan’s recent performances have required audience members to place phones in locked pouches before entering the venue, preventing filming during the show.
Hynde argued that artists should not have to take such measures but believes many audiences ignore requests not to record performances.
“You can plaster a venue with signs requesting ‘NO CAMERAS’ but people don’t respect it. It’s as if people feel entitled even though the artist has clearly asked them not to do it.”
She added:
“Bob Dylan ensures that phones are sealed in a bag before a show. You would think an artist of his stature could make a simple request and the audience would respect it… No chance. People will still sneak in a camera or a phone. It’s like a weird compulsion that people can’t control.”
A frustrating experience at an Emmylou Harris concert
Hynde said her views were reinforced almost immediately after attending Harris’ show.
Despite their earlier conversation, she found herself sitting behind a concertgoer who spent much of the performance recording on a phone.
“And then after having the conversation with Emmy, the minute her show started at the Albert Hall, a guy in front of me started filming it on his phone.”
She continued:
“The concert was obscured by the bright light of his phone throughout the whole show.”
According to Hynde, another audience member eventually challenged the behaviour.
“Someone did eventually tell him that he was being rude and his filming was distracting. His response was, ‘Mind your own business.'”
Chrissie Hynde says phones are ruining museum visits too
The musician’s frustration extends beyond live music venues.
Hynde revealed that she has largely stopped attending museum exhibitions because visitors using phones often obstruct the artwork.
Recalling a visit to a major Van Gogh retrospective exhibition, she wrote:
“I don’t bother to go to exhibitions any more after my nightmare experience at the Van Gogh retrospective.”
She added:
“Morons holding their phones up in front of the masterpieces so that no one could see them. I wanted to cry.”
The debate over phones at concerts continues
The debate around phones at concerts has become increasingly prominent in recent years, with some artists embracing social media sharing while others have introduced restrictions on recording.
Hynde made clear where she stands, arguing that audiences should focus on the live experience rather than documenting every moment.
Concluding her post, she wrote:
“My conclusion is: If Jesus Christ were to walk into a room the first thing everyone would do would be to pull out their phone. Can someone please explain?”
The comments have reignited discussion among music fans about concert etiquette, audience behaviour and whether phone-free performances should become more common at live events.
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