The Lumineers drummer Jeremiah Fraites has labelled Justin Bieber among performers who have the “world in the palm of” their hands.
He slated the 23-year-old star for previous late appearances and show cancellations as he warned that fame at a young age can have a damaging effect on artists.
The US rock band will join the Love Yourself star in London as both perform at this year’s Barclaycard British Summer Time festival.
Commenting on last Sunday’s headliner, Fraites told the Press Association: “His last album (Purpose) was quite good, unfortunately, as I felt like he was the last person in the world that needed more fame and for other people to write great music and give it to him.
“It’s tough for us, who consider ourselves more of a blue-collar working class band that really worked hard and spent years and years trying to write these songs.
“Performing and touring is draining on so many levels, so it’s hard for me to watch another performer that has the world in the palm of his hand.
“He is a talented singer, but time and time again he disappoints by cancelling shows and turning up late…when you are handed everything at a very young age it’s a recipe for disaster.”
But while Fraites said he did not consider himself a “Belieber”, he praised the myriad of other global musicians spread over the two-weekend event.
Speaking ahead of the band’s set, which will support Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, he said: “Hyde Park is a huge deal for us and we are over the moon about it.
“Performing alongside people you admire, you just hope that maybe they watch a part of your set and think it’s great.
“Meeting your icons is sometimes difficult because you might put your foot in your mouth, but having them watch your set should be the icing on the cake.”
A self-proclaimed UK fan, he added that he was heartbroken by the recent Manchester and London terror attacks, but insisted that they would not scare the band off bringing their best performance to the capital.
“It has really been breaking my heart, since we have such a stronghold in London,” he said.
“But if I did feel too scared to even enter the country, then I would feel that the terrorists have won.
“The whole point about a show is to go and forget about the real world…I would rather play music and try to counterbalance the terribleness.”
The Lumineers will perform in Hyde Park on July 9.
