The Pretenders were an ideal band to ushered in a new decade of music with their blend of sixties influences and punk edge, creating some timeless hits for rock.
Honeyman-Scott eventually succumbed to heroin addiction and died aged 25; Hynde regrets not doing more to discourage him from drugs at that time.
Chrissie Hynde
Chrissie Hynde was at the heart of The Pretenders as their lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter. From day one she established an indefatigable attitude – not playing any kind of T&A game while emanating a cool curled-lip vibe; her songs expertly blended new wave with melodic rock; while she never compromised on her standards as frontwoman.
Hynde began her musical journey when she hooked up with bassist Pete Farndon and guitarist James Honeyman-Scott in 1978, recording their demo tape (including a Kinks cover called Stop Your Sobbing), then released their eponymous debut album the following year. Their hit single Brass in Pocket reached No.1 both nationally and globally before Farndon passed away from heroin use two years later; his final song Back on the Chain Gang served as an elegy to both men before Hynde went on to record several more albums with other musicians before adding drums & bass to her repertoire to accompanying herself or accompanying vocally or vice versa!
James Honeyman-Scott
The Pretenders first made waves in 1978 with their rendition of Ray Davies’s “Stop Your Sobbing” and then rose to the top of British charts with their debut album the following year. Considered one of the most influential bands at that time, their unique sound combined punk energy with sophisticated melodic sensibilities and Hynde’s introspective lyrics for unparalleled success.
James Honeyman-Scott played lead guitar for The Pretenders from their inception until his untimely death in 1982, making an essential contribution to their sound, adding special touches that elevated songs beyond mere lyrics and chords into something truly vibrant and special.
Honeyman-Scott used an Ibanez Gibson Explorer-style guitar equipped with BOSS chorus, overdrive and compressor effects pedals; additionally he employed several Gibson ES-335 models and several acoustic models. A talented guitarist known for their signature sound and strong melodicism, Honeyman-Scott left behind a tragic loss when he passed away but nevertheless continued releasing albums including their landmark self-titled debut in 1980.
Pete Farndon
The Pretenders’ first two albums, written and co-written primarily by Hynde, were masterclasses of guitar rock that have yet to be equaled since. The group combined hard rock with New Wave sound while featuring stunning guitar riffs performed by Hynde himself.
Farndon was kicked out of the band due to his drug abuse only days after Honeyman-Scott passed, and died the following year at 30. He is interred at St Peter’s Church in Lyde near Hereford.
Hynde maintained her performance and recording with The Pretenders even following tragic incidents within their band, the Pretenders. Hynde proved in the 80s that women didn’t need to dress like men or move their private parts in order to have success in rock music – instead she continued rocking out her gorgeous contralto voice across the world while standing out as an iconic badass alongside fellow female rockers like Suzi Quatro and Joan Jett.
Martin Chambers
Martin Chambers has experienced many highs and lows with The Pretenders since joining their original lineup back in 1978, such as guitarist James Honeyman-Scott’s drug overdose death and bassist Pete Farndon’s absence due to drug issues; yet he remains with them and witnessing its continued success.
Chambers’ steady drumming set Hynde apart as one of rock’s most dynamic singers. His drumming never overdid it or underplayed, creating an irreplaceable sound which has since been imitated but never replicated. Chambers’ powerful rhythms anchored the band while his signature curled-lip attitude gave Hynde her own individual soundscape, elevating her status in rock music history.
Honeyman-Scott joined The Pretenders after performing with Honeyman-Scott in Cheeks, an act formed by former Mott the Hoople keyboardist Verden Allen. Additionally to touring and recording with The Pretenders, he’s worked alongside Lou Reed and UB40 among many others.