Lily Allen defends her short concert format: 'I don't want anyone to feel ripped off'

Lily Allen has defended the live tour of her latest album 'West End Girl' after fans complained about feeling short-changed by the 55-minute shows that have no crowd interaction.

Allen is currently on the UK leg of the world tour for the album inspired by her divorce from actor David Harbour. The show sees her perform the 45-minute album in its entirety, without speaking to the crowd or performing any of her back catalogue.

Some fans are complaining that the 55-minute show is too short to justify the ticket prices. Tickets for her shows at London's O2 Arena have been about £100, while tickets for the upcoming Australian leg range from $110 to $400 for VIP packages.

Journalist Rupert Hawksley shared his critical assessment on X, prompting Allen to respond directly. She said the show was as it has always been advertised and that not talking to the audience is her artistic choice, as the fourth wall helps with storytelling. She also apologized for being late, explaining that her tights were laddered.

Critics are divided. Claire Biddles of The Guardian gave a two-star review, calling the first half with the string ensemble too long. Variety described it as a 'captivating, thrilling exercise in emotional world-building' and likened it to theater.

Allen stated she doesn't want anyone to feel ripped off and that everyone on the tour is working hard to give the best show possible.