Chrissy Hynde has sparked widespread outrage by revealing that concertgoers will be kicked out of the front row if she attends her band's shows more than once.
The American singer, 73, has been on tour with her popular band The Pretenders, who all took the stage. Edinburgh Vigil Wednesday Evening Hall.
However, he revealed that if the rock band had already seen the live show during the tour, die-hard fans might find themselves kicked out of the front row during the concert.
He took to Instagram hours before the show to say he wanted to give 'local fans' a chance to see them up close, rather than the same loyal international fans.
Chrissy, who will perform alongside band members including Martin Chambers, Nick Wilkinson, James Walbourne, Eric Heywood and Carwyn Ellis, told fans “don't be offended” if they were “asked” to move.
In a statement described as “humble,” he shared: “Hello everyone! First of all, thank you to everyone who came to watch our shows.
'We are in the final stretch of this year's tour and it is a real pleasure. Fantastic cities and incredible visitors. We have fun playing for you.
'One thing we feel obligated to explain: when we go on tour, the whole point of being a band is that we play to a different audience every night. Let's go on tour!
Chrissy Hynde (pictured in 2018) caused widespread outrage by revealing that concertgoers would be kicked out of the front row if they attended her band's shows more than once.
In an Instagram post, he revealed that if the rock band has already seen them perform live during the tour, die-hard fans may find themselves outside the front row during the concert.
'So if we're in Edinburgh (as we will be tonight), we're looking forward to seeing the local faces. This is what makes every night new for us.
'We appreciate those who follow us and buy multi-night tickets, so please don't be offended if we ask you to leave the front row.
'The only thing we ask is to give the local fans a chance. This is new for us…especially after being on tour for months. See you later!'
However, the announcement left fans divided.
Others wondered how the band could remember those who had sat in the front row at previous concerts.
One wrote: “It's not funny but if I had seen you a couple of times on this tour and asked you to move I would be really offended.” I love seeing you and hearing you play.
'I don't want to be moved further back, because I can't see you if my eyesight isn't smart. It's rude to do this to people. How can you remember all those people who come to the front?
Another commented: 'If locals want to be at the forefront, they'll wait until their loyal fans follow the tour/buy pre-sale tickets/get interested in their art.' Imagine being told “I don't like you anymore” as a fan.
Chrissy (pictured in 2017), who performs alongside bandmates Martin Chambers, Nick Wilkinson, James Walbourne, Eric Heywood and Carwyn Ellis, told fans not to be offended if they “asked for it”.
A third said: 'I think it's rubbish… I live in a dead town half in France and half in Germany so I have to travel to shows…. Paris is 4 hours away. Am I local?'
Fourth anger: 'Oh… that's so disrespectful! I can't believe I read this on your profile… Buying concert tickets is very special for some of us and it's getting harder and harder. Don't treat your fans like that. Not often.'
Another added: 'Wait. “Front row”: are people asked to leave their reserved seats?
However, other fans jumped to the band's defense because they understood why they wanted to give others the opportunity to see them from vantage points.
One argued: 'I think some people take it too personally. If the band is always going to see the same faces every night, they can play 40 shows in one place.
Chrissy knows there are legions of us who have loved the band since Precious' debut. She knows it and I certainly appreciate it. “They want to change that.”
Another wrote: 'Sharing is caring… As someone who travels from Vienna to England to see a show, I appreciate that. Health.'
A third wrote: 'All I can think about is not being a selfish brat. If you've seen the band many times, get out if you can… and let people see a show.'
However, the announcement divided fans, many of whom thought the request was “disrespectful” as people would have paid for tickets (Chrissy in a 2023 film).
The Pretenders are currently touring the UK on their 2024 tour and will be performing in Gateshead on Thursday night.
They will then travel to Hull and Nottingham before taking to the stage at the London Palladium for three shows from October 22-24.
The rockers, supported by The Picturebooks, will conclude their tour at Sheffield Town Hall on November 1.
The band is best known for hits such as Brass in Pocket, Back on the Chain Gang, I'll Stand by You and Don't Get Me Wrong.
Formed in 1978, the original line-up consisted of Chrissy, James Honeyman-Scott, Pete Fardon and Martin Chambers.
