Tame ImpalaTame Impala’s Kevin Parker has revealed that he’ll no longer be meeting fans in airports or outside of hotels, citing the “rise of aggressive autograph hounds.”
Additionally, he’s revealed that he won’t be greeting fans in venue parking lots after shows, either, due to security concerns.
The singer and multi-instrumentalist shared the news on his Instagram Stories this afternoon, 8 September, Australian time. In a statement shared with fans, Parker wrote:
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.
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
In a follow-up Story, Parker explained what he meant with the term “autograph hounds.”
Citing Reddit threads on the subject, he shared that autograph hounds and professional memorabilia collectors who wait outside hotels operate through a “highly calculated, aggressive” subculture.
The behaviour reportedly includes a “high-stakes ecosystem driven by profit, network intelligence, and complex legal boundaries.” Autograph hounds reportedly “cultivate networks of insiders,” such as airline staff and hotel employees and even call hotels, posing as catering services, to confirm when a famous person is arriving.
In a third Instagram Story, Parker noted that he won’t be coming outside of venues after shows to meet fans in the parking lot “for the time being.”
Adding that he was doing it “for a while in Europe,” he said the number of fans “were getting out of control” and Tame Impala doesn’t have the security to manage the “obvious security risk,” so he’s been advised to pull back.
“Please have the best time at the shows and get home safe,” he concluded. “See you tomorrow, Portland (don’t wait up).”
Tame Impala return to Australia in October, taking over arenas across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth on their Deadbeat Tour. Due to phenomenal demand, extra shows have been added to the itinerary.
Joining Tame Impala on all dates is one of the hottest names in Australian music: electronic artist, songwriter, and producer Ninajirachi.
