Chrissie Hynde decries phone use at concerts and museums

Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer of The Pretenders, has issued a sharp critique of the pervasive use of mobile phones at concerts and cultural events, describing the behavior as a "weird compulsion" that audiences cannot control. The 74-year-old musician detailed her frustrations in a lengthy social media post, recounting recent experiences where phone use disrupted performances and art exhibitions.

Hynde explained that the topic arose during a dinner conversation in London with fellow musician Emmylou Harris. She noted it is a common grievance among performers, saying it has become "like an unpleasant fug hanging over the head of all artists." Despite venues posting signs requesting no cameras, Hynde stated people often ignore the rules, acting as if they are entitled to record. She cited Bob Dylan's policy, which requires phones to be sealed in pouches at his shows, as an example that is still circumvented by audience members who sneak devices in.

The problem, according to Hynde, extends beyond her own stage. After her dinner with Harris, she attended Harris's concert at London's Royal Albert Hall, where her view was obstructed by the bright light from another attendee's phone....