Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders Asks Front-Row Fans to Move Out of the Way

Photo Credit: Chrissie Hynde by Peter Tea / CC by 2.0

The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde asks fans who attend multiple concerts in the front row to give local fans a chance for a front-row seat.Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders shared a somewhat strange request for fans attending the band’s gigs. According to her Facebook post, Hynde says “the whole point” of touring is so the band can play to a different audience every night — so superfans who attend multiple shows should give other fans a chance at front-row seats.

“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 singer explained. “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.”

While Hynde’s specific request might be an unusual one, the topic of concert etiquette has been oft discussed over the last couple of years. Miranda Lambert told fans not to take selfies in the front row while she was performing last year, and Ethel Cain recently asked fans to behave better at her shows and while waiting in line. Meanwhile, numerous musicians have had things thrown at them onstage this year alone.

But Chrissie Hynde’s request was definitely met with some fan backlash. “Taking your loyal fans for granted,” commented one person. “Glad I’m not one. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard that from any artist.”“You have just stepped way over the line, especially with people who have loved, followed, and supported you since the beginning,” said another angry fan. “Time to take a step back.”

Others agreed with the Pretenders singer.

“Totally makes sense to me. If you’re performing the same set for the same faces every night, it can make you feel a bit phony,” said one fan. “Someone who has been to like five shows in a row shouldn’t mind stepping back a couple rows to give another fan a chance to have a great experience.”

“I totally see her point of view,” commented another. “I don’t think it’s right that people who have the time and money on their hands constantly grab the front row seats. How about giving others a chance?”

The 73-year-old lead vocalist and guitarist didn’t specify how fans would be asked to move, or if she was referring to general admission crowds, or only the front-row seats. The Pretenders were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, with hits like “Don’t Get Me Wrong,” “Brass in Pocket,” and “I’ll Stand By You.”