It's so secret that Arcade Fire like their fans to make an effort at gigs and in the past, have encouraged people attending their shows to 'dress up' if they want to.

However, the Canadian indie band stirred up quite a bit of controversy in recent days after rumours of a strictly enforced dress code at their album launch show in Brooklyn this Friday.

Ticket holders were reportedly told to avoid wearing "shorts, large logos, flip flops, tank tops, crop tops, baseball hats, solid white or red clothing", while they were also warned: "We reserve the right to deny entry to anyone dressed inappropriately" and told that their phones would be secured in Yondr pouches to make the gig a "phone free experience".

Now, following the backlash, the band have moved to clarify their position, with their 'Social Media Strategist' issuing a rather terse statement admitting that she had made the demands without the knowledge of the band.

"I was trying to class up the show a little bit because it's going to be seen by literally billlions of people, due to the involvement of our partners at Apple," she wrote. "Sue me for wanting something nice."

The band have further clarified that fans can wear "whatever you want" to any of their gigs. Which is nice of them.

See the full statement and fan comments below: