The Pretenders frontwoman is making headlines after urging fans to put away their phones and fully experience live music.

Chrissie Hynde Speaks Out About Concert Etiquette

June 03, 2026 – Chrissie Hynde has never been known for holding back her opinions, and her latest comments about smartphone use at concerts are no exception. The Pretenders singer recently criticized audience members who spend entire performances recording videos, using a colorful analogy that quickly sparked reactions online.

Hynde said watching crowds hold up their devices during shows reminds her of “monkeys wanking,” a remark that immediately grabbed attention and reignited the ongoing debate about technology and live entertainment.

Credit: Xavi Torrent/Redferns

A Frustration Shared by Many Artists

The legendary rocker expressed disappointment over how smartphones have changed the concert experience. According to Hynde, many fans seem more focused on capturing footage than actually enjoying the music in the moment.

She argued that the sea of glowing screens creates a disconnect between performers and audiences, taking away from the shared experience that makes live concerts special. For Hynde, music should be something people feel and remember rather than simply document.

Why Her Comments Went Viral

While Hynde’s message itself is not new, the unusual comparison she used quickly became a talking point. Known for her blunt personality and dry sense of humor, the singer’s choice of words was consistent with the outspoken style that has defined her career for decades.

The comments spread rapidly across social media, where fans and fellow music lovers debated whether she had a point or had gone too far with her description.

Phones at Concerts Remain a Divisive Issue

Hynde joins a growing list of musicians who have voiced concerns about excessive smartphone use during performances. Artists including Adele, Bob Dylan, Jack White, and Madonna have all spoken about wanting audiences to be more present and less focused on recording every moment.

Some performers have even adopted phone-free policies, requiring attendees to lock away their devices before entering venues. Supporters of such measures argue that they help restore the atmosphere and intimacy that concerts once had.

 

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Fans Offer Different Perspectives

Not everyone agrees with Hynde’s criticism. Many concertgoers argue that taking photos and videos allows them to preserve memories and share experiences with friends and family. Others point out that technology has become an unavoidable part of modern life and that recording short clips does not necessarily diminish enjoyment.

The divide highlights a broader generational debate about how people experience entertainment and memories in the digital age.

The Pretenders Continue to Tour

Despite the controversy, Hynde remains focused on performing. The Pretenders continue touring and introducing their music to new audiences decades after the band’s formation in the late 1970s.

Songs such as “Brass in Pocket,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” and “Don’t Get Me Wrong” have cemented the group’s place in rock history, while Hynde herself remains one of the genre’s most recognizable voices.

Chrissie Hynde’s Reputation for Speaking Her Mind

Throughout her career, Hynde has built a reputation for being refreshingly candid. Whether discussing the music industry, politics, or social issues, she has rarely softened her opinions to avoid controversy.

Her latest remarks fit that pattern. Even those who disagree with her often acknowledge that her willingness to speak openly is part of what has made her such an enduring figure in rock music.

Credit: Ki Price*

The Changing Nature of Live Music

The conversation surrounding smartphones reflects larger changes in how audiences engage with performances. Social media has transformed concerts into experiences that are not only lived but also broadcast and archived in real time.

As artists and fans continue navigating these shifts, questions about presence, memory, and technology are likely to remain part of the discussion.

Final Thoughts

Chrissie Hynde’s colorful criticism of concert phone use has once again placed her at the center of a cultural conversation. While her comparison raised eyebrows, her broader message echoes concerns shared by many musicians who long for audiences to experience live performances without distractions.

Whether fans agree with her or not, Hynde’s comments have reignited an ongoing debate about what it means to truly be present at a concert in the smartphone era.

FAQs

Q1. What did Chrissie Hynde say about concert phones?
She said watching fans use their phones reminds her of “monkeys wanking.”

Q2. Why is Chrissie Hynde criticizing smartphones at concerts?
She believes they distract audiences and diminish the shared experience of live music.

Q3. Which band is Chrissie Hynde known for?
She is the lead singer and founder of The Pretenders.

Q4. Have other musicians criticized phone use at concerts?
Yes. Artists including Adele, Bob Dylan, and Jack White have voiced similar concerns.

Q5. Why has the issue become controversial?
Some fans prefer to record memories, while others believe concerts should be enjoyed without digital distractions.