The Pretenders Are Dividing Fans Over New Live Music Policy

With a decades-long career under their belt, the Pretenders are no strangers to the dynamics of live performances—but an October 2024 shakeup prompted by frontwoman Chrissie Hynde has left many wondering if she’s lost touch with the proper relationship between fans and musicians. Hynde made her announcement ahead of the Pretenders’ October 16, 2024, performance at Usher Hall in Edinburgh, Scotland.

And in true online fashion, the internet seems wholly divided over whether Hynde’s comments were just or unfounded.

The Pretenders Have a New Live Music Policy

The Pretenders embarked on an almost exclusively sold-out tour of the United Kingdom in October 2024. Stops included Oxford, Bristol, Portsmouth, and London, among other large cities. But just before the band made their way to Scotland’s capitol city to perform at Usher Hall, “Brass in Pocket” singer Chrissie Hynde shared a message on social media that angered many fans.

“First of all, thank you to everyone who’s come to see our shows,” she began. “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. 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),” she continued, “we look forward to seeing local faces. This is what makes it new for us every night. 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.”

Fans React To The Band’s Request

The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde’s announcement divided fans across several social media platforms. While some praised the singer and guitarist for her thoughtfulness and willingness to prioritize local crowds, others condemned the message, saying it was disrespectful to her most devoted fans. These fans, the dissenters argued, deserved top priority. 

“Talk about how to kick your biggest supporters in the teeth,” one angry fan responded on Facebook. “And I suppose you don’t want your photo taken either. Get off the stage if you can’t appreciate the people who have kept you there. I just found this statement really friggin’ insulting! Talk about taking your biggest supporters for granted. ‘Sorry we’re bored of your faces.’”

Other self-described “über-fans” stood by Hynde’s request. “It’s not always about you,” one commenter said, addressing those who were angry over the band’s comments. “At this point in time, it’s about the band who want to keep things fresh at the end of a long tour (for the benefit of ALL those who attend) and for local fans, 99% of whom this is their only and maybe last chance to see the band. You don’t own the band and shouldn’t own the front row experience, and well done, Chrissy, for having the guts to courteously point that out.” 

Agree or disagree, one thing is sure: spite and pride are two powerful human motivators. So, regardless of the general consensus around the Pretenders’ new live music policy, we don’t doubt those front-row seats have become more coveted than ever following their announcement.

Photo by Dan Reid/Shutterstock