Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker has issued an apology to fans after an announcement that he would no longer be signing autographs caused offense. Parker, currently on his Deadbeat tour, explained his initial decision was a response to aggressive autograph seekers who use tactics like employing children and immediately reselling signatures online.
Parker, 40, first shared his new policy on Instagram, stating he would no longer sign items or take photos at hotels or airports. He cited concerns about the methods used by some individuals to obtain autographs, noting it was difficult to distinguish genuine fans from those looking to profit.
"The problem with these people is that they use bizarre tactics to trick you into thinking they are fans," Parker wrote in a follow-up post. "Remember it's just so they can throw it on eBay as soon as they have your autograph." He added that he would be making hotels and airports off-limits to avoid such encounters.
Following the initial announcement, Parker clarified his position, emphasizing his genuine appreciation for his supporters. "I LOVE meeting fans and am almost always happy to take photos and sign stuff," he stated, expressing that his intention was not to deter real fans.
"The absolute opposite thing I would want from this is for fans to think I don't want to meet them/take photos etc. I love them and will ALWAYS be grateful for their love," Parker wrote. He stressed that he is "almost always happy" to engage with fans, but needs to navigate situations involving resellers and aggressive behavior.
Tame Impala is currently touring across North America, Australia, and Europe. The Australian leg of the Deadbeat tour is scheduled for October, with dates in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth.
This tour follows a successful period for the band, with Parker winning a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording for "End of Summer" at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. This marked his second Grammy win, following his first victory for "Neverender" the previous year.