Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Perth-based global music star Tame Impala has delivered an unfortunate message to fans, declaring he will no longer be signing autographs outside of hotels or after shows due to “aggressive autograph hounds”.
The chart-topping solo outfit, steered by performer Kevin Parker, is approaching the end of his US tour ahead of twin shows at RAC Arena this October.
Sharing a regrettable social media update, he asked fans not to “be offended” if he refuses to stop for them.
“Hey guys quick PSA to say due to the rise of aggressive autograph hounds I won’t be signing anything or doing photos out the front of hotels or at airports at all anymore, so if you happen to catch me please don’t be offended if I say no,” an Instagram story read.
“I wasn’t that passionate about it before but they’ve started using kids which I think is all kinds of wrong. Love you guys x”.
Tame Impala is set to play all-ages shows in Perth on October 24-25 as part of his Australian leg of the Deadbeat Tour, and will be joined by Aussie electronic export Ninajirachi.
Hoping to educate fans further on his regrettable call, the two-time Grammy winner shared a definition of the behaviours he was referring to.
He said the autograph collectors were part of an “aggresive subculture” in the collectibles industry, and although they may seem like regular fans, they operate as cogs in a “high-stakes ecosystem driven by profit, network intelligence, and complex legal boundaries”.
Parker said he had been open to meeting fans during his European tour earlier this year, but has been advised against continuing to do so while in the US.
Sadly, it looks like his ban on fan interactions will continue upon his return home.
Ahead of his Portland show on Tuesday, Parker conceded fan “numbers were getting out of control and we don’t have the security to manage it”, politely advising them: “don’t wait up”.
The local act is a proud Dockers fan and the club’s number one ticket holder, and is hoping the side can remain in the AFL finals series until his US tour finishes.
The End of Summer hitmaker’s final US tour show is scheduled for September 20 in Texas.
His Australian tour will commence in Brisbane on October 9, with Melbourne and Sydney shows to precede his hometown performances.
