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Lily Allen defends West End Girl tour amid criticism

Lily Allen has defended her artistic choices for her West End Girl tour amid criticism from an attendee.

After her two sold-out concerts at London's O2 Arena over the weekend, the Smile hitmaker has defended the show, in which she sings her 2025 album West End Girl in full and in order on a play-like set without a live band or any interaction with the audience.

Journalist Rupert Hawksley criticised the show on X, claiming that he spent $114 (£86) to watch a 50-minute concert with "no support act" and "not one word to the audience". Lily reposted his message and addressed his feedback directly on Monday.

"There is a support act. The show has always been advertised as 'Lily Allen performs West End Girl,'" she replied. "The show is just over an hour as it's just the album in its entirety."

"It's my artistic choice not to talk to the audience, the fourth wall helps with the storytelling. Most people find it to be effective," she continued. "I don't want anyone to feel ripped off. Everyone on this tour is really working very hard to give people the best show we possibly can, and I'm extremely proud of it."

Hawksley responded to her post, noting that "no support act and not even a 'thank you so much for coming' was a bit weird," and Lily replied, "I'd happily concede that I'm a bit weird, though."

West End Girl chronologically tells the story of the breakdown of a marriage and is inspired by Lily's divorce from actor David Harbour. The live tour is not a typical gig but rather a theatrical, dramatic staging of that story.

Before the British star takes the stage, a string section plays instrumental versions of her biggest hits pre-West End Girl.

Lily will conclude the U.K. and Ireland leg of the tour next week, after playing two nights in Dublin, Ireland and one last show in London on 7 July. The U.S. leg of the tour will kick off in September.

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Cover Media
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