Veteran comedian Phill Jupitus has blown the whistle on David Byrne's Edinburgh Playhouse shows, accusing him of letting down disabled fans and those who can't stand for long periods. The former Never Mind The Buzzcocks star attended the final concert at the 3,059-capacity venue and was left seething after Byrne instructed the audience to be respectful – but failed to deliver accessibility.
Jupitus took to Instagram, recounting his experience and quoting Byrne's on-stage words: "You can dance if you like but please be respectful of the people around you." But Jupitus retorted that respect was in short supply at £135 a ticket. He detailed his personal struggle, explaining he's unable to stand for long due to a leg condition – a sentiment echoed by his wife who attended with him.
Jupitus was left gobsmacked, claiming Byrne had "shat on a minority" last night. He highlighted the irony of a meticulously choreographed and visually stunning show being largely invisible to seated audiences once they began standing and dancing. Jupitus lamented seeing only two songs clearly before his view became obscured, saying it was like listening to Byrne's albums at home – and wasting £270 on tickets.
The comedian urged Byrne to switch up his venue choices for future Scottish tours, advocating for larger spaces that cater to a standing audience, such as Glasgow's Barrowlands or the OVO Hydro. He recalled a fantastic experience at Byrne's 'American Utopia' tour in 2018, starkly contrasting it with his recent disappointment.
The Edinburgh Playhouse has acknowledged Jupitus's feedback, with Theatre Director Gordon Millar admitting they've heard about the comedian's frustration and disappointment. Millar recognised that some gigs can see audience members wanting to dance – but this can negatively impact others' viewing experience. The incident has sparked a wider conversation on accessibility and audience expectations at live music events held in diverse venues.