She is one of the most photographed performers in the world, but Billie Eilish has banned press snappers from her next two shows in Perth in the latest example of the extreme lengths mega stars will go to carefully manage their images.
The 20-year-old sings he’s the bad guy but is adamantly determined to avoid being photographed in anything but the most flattering light.
Eilish will wrap up her Happily Ever After World Tour at RAC Arena on Friday night. A special pre-recorded concert, filmed in London earlier this year, will air on Apple Music Live right after his shows in Perth.
But don’t expect to see professional photos of the singer shaking in front of a WA crowd.
The Grammy-winning star banned press photographers from capturing any of his performances at the RAC Arena.
Getty’s agency photographers were granted permission to film the Sydney and Auckland broadcasts, but were unable to release any of the images until they were cleared by Eilish’s management.
Eilish also has her own licensed photographer who travels with her on tour, but her handpicked snapper doesn’t cover Perth shows.
With the return of international musicians to our shores, it seems more difficult for the local media to have access to these megastars.
Dua Lipa, Andrea Bocelli, Kings of Leon, Kendrick Lamar and The Killers are just a few of the big names performing in WA in the coming months.
It remains to be seen if they will do the same when it comes to limiting access to photography at their shows.
There are already many terms and conditions related to the photography of artists on tour, including how long a photographer is allowed to attend the concert and where and how the images are used.
In some cases, photographers are only allowed to capture the first two or three songs of a performance and are then taken away before the performers can break a sweat.
Beyonce banned all press photographers from her Mrs. Cater World Tour in 2013 after a Super Bowl performance that yielded several unflattering shots.
Last month, legendary rockers KISS performed at the same venue where Eilish will be headlining.
Unlike Eilish, they allowed press photographers.
However, the substantial photo release form outlines several clauses, including allowing the legendary group to use images taken by press photographers without having to pay them, and for all photographs to be provided upon request.
Luckily for fans, Eilish allows them to use their phones. However, RAC Arena policy strictly states no cameras with detachable lenses, no iPads, no GoPros and no audio or video recording devices.