Fans can's always call the tune

The ‘Chandelier’ singer recently performed in the Israeli capital, but provoked the ire of the locals (never a good idea) by performing for a mere 65 minutes, which, at $91 a seat isn’t great value for money.

One big beef was the fact that the oddly-coiffed performer stood at the back of the stage and failed to engage in any banter. But surely that is exactly what the enigmatic Sia does? If she’d been wisecracking down the front – “anyone in from the West Bank? No?” – they’d have had more grounds for a refund.

Indeed, complaining that Sia is short on the patter is a bit like moaning that Pink Floyd went on a bit, or The Who were a teensy bit loud, or Liam Gallagher was off key.

So the people of Tel Aviv should be grateful anyone tours there at all. Maybe they’re spoiled – the bar being set high with that time some bloke played an open-air gig for 5,000 at ‘The Mount’ and did wine and sandwiches to boot.

People go to shows for many reasons – to dance, to throw stuff at the band, to chatter incessantly to their friends. Some even go to be entertained. They’re the bright-eyed, $91-a-ticket optimists keeping music alive.