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Biography
Chrissie Hynde, originally from Akron, Ohio, moved to London in 1973, and worked at the prestigious NME and also at Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood’s clothes store. The Pretenders formed in 1978 after Dave Hill at Anchor Records heard a couple of Hynde’s demos. He booked a rehearsal studio in Denmark Street, where a 3-piece band made up of Hynde, Mal Hart on bass an Phil Taylor of Motörhead on drums played a few of Hynde’s original songs. Hill was impressed by the result, so arranged a day of recording a Studio 51 to record another demo. He saw the potential very early on, and suggested that Hynde should form a much more permanent band to record for his new label, Real Records. Adding Pete Farndon on bass, James Honeyman-Scott on guitar, and Gerry Mcilduff on drums, this band would go on to record five tracks at Regents Park Studio in July 1978, including “Stop Your Sobbing”. They later became The Pretenders after the Platters song “The Great Pretender”. Their first single, a cover of The Kinks, “Stop Your Sobbing”, caught the attention of many, and then their following single “Brass in Pocket” released in January 1980 earned the band their first number 1 in the UK. Their self-titled debut album would go on to be named one of the best albums of all time by VH1.
The second full-length album, “Pretenders II” was released on August 15th, 1981, and became such a huge success making it to number 7 in the UK Album Chart. It was a dark time for the band, with Farndon being fired by Hynde, and then two days later, on June 16th 1982, James Honeyman-Scott died of Heart failure as a result of cocaine intolerance. Farndon, was found dead the following year on April 14th 1983 by his American wife, Conover. This left The Pretenders with two living members.
They re grouped, with Hynde continuing with the band recruiting Rockpile guitarist Billy Bremner and Big Country bassist, Tony Butler to record the single “Back on the Chain Gang”. The song was released in October, becoming their biggest success in the US staying at No. 5 for three weeks. “Learning to Crawl” became yet another hit album for the band in 1984. Over the course of the last thirty years, they have remained a chart-topping band, maintaining their success.
Across their career, alongside staying at the top of the charts, they played at Live Aid in 1985 and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Live reviews
This was a total letdown.
The Pretenders did not open for Stevie Nicks because Chrissie Hynde was sick.
I get that.
But was so disappointing is that she had been sick for several days and the concert organizers knew she would not perform that night.
But instead of alerting concert goers in advance and giving them a chance to cancel and get a refund, you had to actually drive to the venue to find out that the Pretenders were not playing.
Then and there, you could get a refund at the Arena.
Once people had driven to the venue and had bothered to park, not many wanted to cancel.
Not very nice from the organizers.
Next day solo show of the Pretenders at the Fillmore in Silver Spring was also canceled, but at least we were informed by email and got an automatic refund.
Froelj
Chrissie must be one of the coolest ladies in the rock universe. She looks great, she sounds great. At 66 she still has her very powerful and unique voice. Only Chrissie and the drummer is left from the original band, still it sounds like we want it to. Her guitarist is also a member of The Rails, which did a wondelful job as opening act.
The consert is a nice mix of old and new stuff, with a bunch of the old goodies half way in the consert. From now on everybody stands up, clapping, singing and dancing.
The fact that the happening takes place in the beautiful old Usher Hall just makes the experience even better.
All in all, going all the way from Norway to Scotland to see Chrissie and the Pretenders was absolutely worth the price :) Next time I hope to see her in Norway!
nebbe
Well the pretenders were a no-show. I understand from other guests and the box office that they are doing that frequently around the country. I didn't really care personally however I think it is false advertising to have the opening act be in default. We could not get to the arena on time due to traffic, and Stevie started at 8 so it all worked out in the wash. But it is false advertising to repeatedly the booking for 2X and you only get one with no refund or partial refund available. These are not good business practices and I will not be using that ticket service again I don't care if they did advertise on Facebook and I got the tickets a week before the concert front row. I paid good money and I expected two shows!
laura-bone-2
I'm embarrassed to say the only Pretenders album I own is their greatest hits. As a concert regular I see about 25 shows a year and went last night just to have another on my seen list. I was blown away! This was one of the greatest live shows I've seen. Chrissie was u believable and sounds like she's still in her twenties. That lead guitarist is possibly the best I've ever seen. I know 95% of the music and loved those I did t know as well. These guys were tight. I'm already looking for their next show. I cannot express how much fun they were. Lots of dumb grins leaving Terminal 5 last night. Thanks guys!
GalwayK
I was very impressed by both artists at the Prudential center. I am sure no one wants to be reminded of their age...but these women were phenomenal! Chrissy at 65 and Stevie at 68 were powerhouses worthy of their star statuses of 40 years ago. It was a wonderful walk through time. The acoustics at this venue really enhanced the atmosphere. Stevie's stories were riveting and a big "boo" to the murmurs around me asking her to "shut up and sing". How rude. She is a legend and I was truly happy to hear her musings...
renee-aston
Chrissie Hynde still has it going on. Her voice hasn’t lost pitch. She can rock the guitar and hold
Her own with all the musical greats. She’s funny. She’s honest. She is beautiful. Her music is relevant and soulful. Her band is tight. She is an inspirational iconic woman, not just holding her own in the male dominated musical world, but in life. Can’t wait to read her book!
SolVann
I was at the Pretenders at the orpheum in Boston last night. 3rd row seats! An Amazing show!! 2 hours of rock and roll. no one sat down the entire time. Chrissie Hynde was incredible!! And the lead guitarist was insanely good!! The crowd was dancing and singing the entire time!! Great,Great show . Would see them again and again!
Kimkessell65
Last July i had front row tickets 4 my fav band. Spent a bundle as it was my first sober concert in 40 years. They canceled 3 hours before the show. Oh yea right by your hometown in Ohio. Still favorite band and i didn't have to dtink over it!!! I'll get em next time LUV YA GANG!!!!
Brian Motts Columbus Ohio
brian-motts
Concert was short. About an hour and they left stage. Did two encores but I still think short. They left a lot of their best songs off, such as Mystery Achievement. They did have some highs. Chrissy’s voice was excellent. It just seemed a bit lack luster.
phillimt
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