In a surprising turn of events, acclaimed Canadian country singer Brett Kissel has found himself on the receiving end of a $100 fine after performing a special song for a small gathering of fans prior to his show in Kingston. The incident highlights the sometimes rigid rules governing performances at union venues, putting a spotlight on the tussle between regulations and personal connections with fans.

Kissel took to Facebook to share the details of the fine, which stemmed from an impromptu performance for a group of just twelve, including notable local political figure Drew Cumpson, who previously ran as the NDP candidate for Lanark Frontenac Kingston in 2021. During the meet-and-greet, Cumpson expressed his desire to hear the heartfelt track “I Didn’t Fall in Love With Your Hair,” prompting Kissel to break from the usual protocol and play the song.

While Kissel acknowledged that he rarely sings during meet-and-greets to honor union rules—and to ensure the stage remains secure—he felt compelled to make an exception for this fan interaction. “Sometimes you have to break rules to make memories,” he stated, showing that for him, the connections with his fans take precedence over strict adherence to guidelines.

However, the joy of this memorable moment quickly turned sour when hours later, he was informed of the fine for being deemed “unofficially” on stage. “Apparently, I’m not supposed to be on the stage,” he remarked, reflecting on the absurdity of the situation with a sense of humor. “They fined me $100 bucks at the Kingston Grand because all I wanted to do was play a song for one of my fans. Hmm.”

Despite the slightly upsetting incident, Kissel appeared to take the financial penalty in stride, expressing bemusement rather than anger. This highlights a growing conversation in the entertainment community regarding the balance between following union regulations and fostering genuine connections with audiences.

The Whig-Standard attempted to reach out for comments from both Cumpson and the Grand Theatre following the incident, but unfortunately, no statements were forthcoming.

This quirky tale serves as a reminder of the sometimes unexpected challenges artists face while trying to connect with their most dedicated followers. Could this fine be the catalyst for a change in venue policies? Only time will tell! Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.