Enter Shikari frontman Rou Reynolds has spoken out over the ‘backlash’ he received from Taylor Swift fans after he accused her of ‘fleecing them‘.
Last week saw Swift launch the controversial ‘Verified Fan’ initiative with Ticketmaster – designed to prevent bots and touts from getting tour tickets over fans, advertising “unique activities that advance your spot in line”.
Fans can “boost” their place in line by watching Swift’s video for ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ up to five times per day, posting about Swift on linked social media accounts, and pre-ordering the CD for her album ‘Reputation’ with a $48.03 (£37.16) guarantee that it will arrive on the day of its release (November 10). It was also reported that fans could ‘guarantee’ their place in line by buying the album up to 13 times.
Reynolds said this was ‘sickening’ and taking advantage of eager fans. Following the ‘backlash’, Reynolds has returned to Twitter to further clarify and defend his comments:
Ok I think it’s safe to come out now
What a weird 48hours. My timeline finally no longer an onslaught of “you're superficial/stupid/sexist"
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) September 1, 2017
Just wana quickly address a few things that were repeatedly suggested about me from hundreds of Taylor Swift fans:
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) September 1, 2017
My criticism was specific, I have no broader problem with Taylor & no desire to 'drag' her. Yes I even think she's made some great pop tunes
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) September 1, 2017
This does not however somehow therefor make Taylor exempt from criticism. Exploitation is exploitation regardless who does it first.
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) September 1, 2017
Don't assume I ignored other artists & call me sexist. I don't particularly want to fill my days analysing the ticket schemes of pop stars
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) September 1, 2017
Taylor's new scheme was brought to my attention & I commented on it. My criticism is of ANYONE that uses it.
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) September 1, 2017
Secondly, hundreds of you said I commented purely to get media attention. As if I was confident BBC news would givashit what I had to say?!
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) September 1, 2017
It's telling that you presume this was the case. Sometimes people have differing opinions from yours. There's not always an ulterior motive
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) September 1, 2017
I have been off twitter for 48hours avoiding the backlash instead of capitalising on the (somewhat bewilderingly) extensive exposure I got.
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) September 1, 2017
Hopefully proving I've no interest in attention. "Fame is but the breath of people & often unwholesome" (Rousseau) as I've just found out!
— ʀ⎊ᴜ ʀᴇʏɴ⎊ (@RouReynolds) September 1, 2017
In response to the criticism, Swift’s spokesperson has defended the campaign to NME: “If these same tickets were offered on the open market,” they said, “scalpers would snatch them up and fans would be paying thousands of dollars for them. Scalpers and bots will not take the time to engage in legitimate fan activity.
“Taylor rewarding her fans for posting selfies, watching YouTube videos and downloading her albums, things her fans are already doing, is a great thing. This is a program that rewards fans for being fans and makes sure they get great tickets at face value.”
David Marcus, EVP, Head Of Music for Ticketmaster North America added: “Our Verified Fan program has been very successful in proving its ability to keep bots and scalpers out of the ticket buying process. This new program extension rewards her fans for the support they have always shown, by engaging in everyday behaviours that are a core part of their experience with Taylor, including fun and free activities like posting on social media and watching a lyric video, and more free activities will continue to be added.”
Enter Shikari release new album ‘The Spark‘ on September 22. Their upcoming tour dates are below.
Thu November 16 2017 – LIVERPOOL Arena
Fri November 17 2017 – CARDIFF Motorpoint Arena
Sat November 18 2017 – NOTTINGHAM Motorpoint Arena
Sun November 19 2017 – NEWCASTLE Metro Radio Arena
Tue November 21 2017 – MANCHESTER Victoria Warehouse
Wed November 22 2017 – BRIGHTON Centre
Fri November 24 2017 – BIRMINGHAM Barclaycard Arena
Sat November 25 2017 – LONDON Alexandra Palace