The Pretenders star Chrissie Hynde causes fury as she reveals fans will be kicked out of the front row if they have been to the band's shows more than once to give 'locals' a chance

Chrissie Hynde has caused widespread fury by revealing that concertgoers will be kicked out of the front row if they attend her band's shows more than once.

The American singer, 73, has been touring with her popular band The Pretenders and they all took to the stage at Edinburgh 's Usher Hall on Wednesday evening.

However, she revealed diehard fans could see themselves moved out of the front row during the gig if they have already seen the rock band perform live on the tour.

She took to Instagram just hours ahead of the show to reveal they wanted to give 'local fans' a chance to see them up close, rather than the same loyal international fans.

Chrissie - who performs with bandmates Martin Chambers, Nick Wilkinson, James Walbourne, Eric Heywood and Carwyn Ellis - told fans not to be 'offended' if it is 'requested' that they move.

In a statement which was branded as 'condescending', she shared: '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.

'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.

'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!'

However, the announcement divided fans with many insisting they thought the request was 'disrespectful' considering people would have paid for the tickets.

Others also questioned how the band would remember who had been seated on the front row at previous concerts as they shared their doubt over the statement.

One wrote: 'Not being funny but if I had seen you a couple of times on this tour and was asked to move I would be really offended. I love seeing you and hearing you play.

'And if my eye sight isn't brilliant I really don't want to be moved further back because I wouldn't be able to see you. It's bad form to do that to people. Anyway how can you possibly remember everyone that comes in on the front rows??'

Another commented: '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''.'

A third said: 'I do think this is bulls**t.... I live half in France in a dead city and half in Germany so I do have to travel for gigs.... Paris is 4 hours away, am I a local then?'

A fourth fumed: 'Oh wow... that is so disrespectful! I can't believe I've just read this on your profile.... buying concert tickets is for some of us something really special and more and more difficult. You shouldn't treat your fans this way. Unfollowing.'

Another added: 'Wait. ''Front row'' - are people being asked to move out of seats they booked?'

However, other fans jumped to the band defence as they insisted they understood why they wanted to give other people a chance to see them from the prime viewing spots.

One argued: 'I think some are taking this too personally. If the band is going to always see the same faces night after night, they might as well play 40 shows at one venue.

'Chrissie knows she has legions of us who have loved the band from the opening chords of Precious. She knows it and I'm sure, appreciates it. They just want to change it up.'

Another penned: 'Sharing is Caring.... As someone who is traveling from Vienna to the UK to see a show, I appreciate this. Cheers.'

A third wrote: 'I think the point is, don't be a selfish prat. If you've seen the band multiple times, get out if the way.....and Let the folks there for one show get a view.'

The Pretenders are currently touring the UK on their 2024 tour and will perform 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, who are being supported by The Picturebooks, will bring their tour to a close at Sheffield's City Hall on November 1.

The band are arguably best-known for their smash hits 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 Chrissie, James Honeyman-Scott, Pete Farndon and Martin Chambers.