80s rock band sparks outrage over ‘arrogant’ statement to fans-Kitty Chrisp-Entertainment – Metro

The Pretenders just riled up their most dedicated fans (Picture: Xavi Torrent/Redferns)

The Pretenders have sparked outrage by asking their supporters to ‘give local fans a chance’ to be on the front row at their concerts.

The Brass In Pocket hitmakers are currently in the middle of a UK tour and have told dedicated followers who have booked tickets for multiple shows ‘not to be offended’ if they are asked to move from the front row.

Singer Chrissie Hynde shared a letter to Instagram explaining how they would request this to keep the view from stage ‘new’ for the band, and in turn allow people to get a good view who live locally.

‘Hi All!,’ Chrissie began. ‘First of all, thank you to everyone who’s come to see our shows. We’re in the homestretch of this year‘s tour and it’s been a real pleasure. Fantastic cities and fantastic audiences. We’ve had a great time playing for you.’

However, she continued: ”One thing we feel obliged to explain: When we go on tour, the whole point of it for the band is that we are playing to a different audience every night.

‘That’s why we go on tour! So if we’re in Edinburgh (like we are tonight), we look forward to seeing local faces. This is what makes it new for us every night.

The 80s band are still popular after decades in the business, but they just got into hot water (Picture: Fin Costello/Redferns)

They requested to see different faces in the front row to keep the view from stage ‘new’ (Picture: JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images)

‘We appreciate those of you who follow us and buy tickets for multiple nights, so please don’t be offended if we request you to move out of the front row.

‘All we are asking is that you give the local fans a chance. This is what keeps it new for us…especially after being on tour for so many months.’

The post was instantly flooded with criticism from fans, with some pledging not to buy tickets to see the band again.

@gaztop70 wrote on X: ‘I’m a huge fan of The Pretenders and CH but this is one of the most entitled, arrogant posts by a band to their fans I’ve ever seen. Please move seats so we can see different faces. A band performs for the audience not vice versa.’

‘I like The Pretenders but this is a bit too pretentious for me,’ added @OCanada333.

On Instagram, fan hairjess wrote: ‘If someone has queued all day for front row, that’s their spot, they waited long enough for it. same if you brought a front row seated ticket, that’s their ticket!

‘Being told to let ‘new faces’ in the front row is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, some people don’t care where they stand and others want to be at the front. you should be grateful people are paying to come and see you in the first place because most are paying for travel and accommodation too!

Chrissie Hynde made the statement on Instagram and was instantly flooded with criticism (Picture: Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

‘This is so disrespectful to faithful fans as you are basically telling them they bore you seeing them so often even though you wouldn’t have a crowd to perform in front of if it wasn’t for them! This is horrendous!!!’

adammurphyla said: ‘LOL if the locals wanted to be up front, maybe they would have waited as long as your loyal fans who follow the tour/buy presale tickets/bask in your art. Imagine being told as a fan “you just don’t interest me anymore.’

Meanwhile dilly422 said: ‘How disrespectful to your fans. If you were one of my top bands, I would be brokenhearted to see you say this. Travelling and following my favourite bands on tour brings me so much joy. Locals can lineup early for a GA show or buy tickets to be in front just like anyone else.’

The Pretenders – known for hits including Brass in Pocket, Message of Love and Don’t Get Me Wrong – are one of the most enduring new wave rock bands of the 1980s.

Formed in Hereford in 1978 by Chrissie, James Honeyman-Scott, Pete Farndon, and Martin Chambers, the 2024 lineup includes Chrissie, with the additions of James Walbourne, Kris Sonne and Dave Page.

The band are also known for their tragic early years, as Farndon died in 1983 at the age of 30 from a heroin overdose, while Honeymoon-Scott died the year before from heart failure due to cocaine intolerance.

Having turned up to Glastonbury as a surprise act in 2023, they also supported Guns N’ Roses at their Hyde Park gig that year, and are currently touring the UK throughout October.

They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.

Metro.co.uk has contacted The Pretenders’ reps for comment.

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