The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde recently asked fans not to take up space in the front row at multiple concerts.
On October 16, she posted on social media, noting that she had seen the same fans in the front row at several shows during the band’s UK tour.
“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,” she wrote in her social media post. “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!”
She also asked her fans to give the local fans a chance too. “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 rocker continued. “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. See you later,” Hynde concluded.
Plenty of fans were unhappy with this request. Some even commented that they wouldn’t attend future shows because of her message. “If any of my favourite bands said this I’d legitimately never give them a penny again.”
Another added: “‘Please don’t be offended if we request you move from front row’ imagine security coming up to you and being like ‘your favourite artist doesn’t want to look at your face so please f*ck off to the back.’”
The Pretenders are continuing their UK tour with more shows this month. They will play at Connexin Live on October 19 and end their tour on November 1 at Sheffield, City Hall.
Hi All!
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. pic.twitter.com/ShmdpCDui3
— Chrissie Hynde (@ChrissieHynde) October 16, 2024