Tame Impala' refuses autographs after 'aggressive' fan encounters

Kevin Parker says security concerns have also ended post show meet and greets for now

Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker has announced a major change to the way he interacts with fans, saying he will no longer sign autographs or take photographs outside hotels or at airports.

The Australian musician made the announcement through his Instagram Stories on September 8 while touring North America with Tame Impala's DEADBEAT TOUR. Parker described the reason as the growing presence of what he called "aggressive autograph hounds", referring to people who pursue celebrities for signatures and memorabilia. NME reported the announcement after Parker shared his message with followers.

Parker's first Instagram Story began with a brief public service announcement. He said that because of the rise in aggressive autograph hunters, he would no longer sign items or pose for photographs outside hotels or at airports. He also asked genuine fans not to take it personally if he declined an interaction after they happened to encounter him.

"Please don't be offended if I say no," Parker wrote in the message.

The musician then explained what had pushed him to make the decision. Parker said autograph hunters had started using children as a way to obtain signatures, something he described as deeply inappropriate.

"I wasn't that passionate about it before but they've started using kids which I think is all kinds of wrong," he wrote.

Parker also shared another Instagram Story discussing the professional autograph collecting community. According to reports, the material he shared described collectors who monitor celebrity movements and use networks of people working around hotels, airports and other locations to find out where famous figures will be.

The issue is particularly relevant to Parker because he has historically been willing to meet fans outside performances. That has now changed because of concerns surrounding the size of crowds and the ability of his team to provide adequate security.

In a separate message, Parker explained that he had previously come outside venues after shows in Europe to meet fans. He said the numbers eventually became difficult to control and his team advised him to stop because of the security risk.

Parker therefore asked fans not to wait for him in venue car parks after concerts for the time being. He encouraged concertgoers to enjoy the performances and get home safely, making clear that his decision was about the circumstances surrounding these encounters rather than a rejection of his audience.

The announcement comes as Tame Impala continues the North American leg of its DEADBEAT TOUR. The tour supports Deadbeat, Tame Impala's fifth studio album, which was released in October 2025. Parker is scheduled to continue touring internationally following the current North American dates.

The controversy also highlights the growing tension between genuine fan interactions and professional autograph collecting. While a fan asking for a photograph or signature may appear harmless, Parker's comments point to a situation where organised collectors can pursue celebrities repeatedly, particularly around private locations such as hotels and airports.