Over their 44-year career, The Pretenders never chased trends or fashions to remain relevant. Instead, their timeless sound has served as the perfect vehicle for Hynde’s versatile vocal performance; whether that means smooth or raw rockabilly anthems.
Learning to Crawl was their groundbreaking 1979 debut album that launched them onto the scene like never before – it remains one of rock music‘s most impressive and groundbreaking works ever released.
They’re the Pretenders
The Pretenders emerged into the fractured musical landscape of 1979-80 as an unlikely bridge between big sixties guitar rock’s idealism and iconography and punk and new wave’s deconstructed nihilism. Led by singer Chrissie Hynde’s seductive vocals, they explored confessional aspects of Me Generation life while simultaneously becoming radio-friendly crossover rock crossover stars.
Hynde was initially joined in the band by James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar, backing vocals), Pete Farndon (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Martin Chambers (drums). Following both their drug-related deaths, and subsequent personnel changes within the group, Hynde emerged as its sole constant member and took on lead singer duties due to former guitarist Ray Davies’ death in 1975.
Hynde has maintained an unwavering sense of independence throughout her four-decade career with The Pretenders despite frequent line-up changes, from their 1979 self-titled debut through ’80s classics Learning to Crawl and Back on the Chain Gang. Her songs bear witness to someone who refuses to be taken for granted – she has never been afraid to fight for what she believes in, whether for her own band or numerous collaborations such as with UB40, Johnny Marr or Gloria Estefan.
They’re Chrissie Hynde
When The Pretenders first released their self-titled debut album in 1979, it quickly became an instant classic. Frontwoman Chrissie Hynde brought her unique voice, look and attitude along with an undying songwriting gift to create something remarkable: an album which showcased confessional underbelly of new wave/punk that united mainstream FM rockers, self-conscious new wavers and tattooed toughs in one space.
Hynde was raised in Akron, Ohio where she heard rock ‘n’ roll of the 1960s on radio stations. Her artistic sensibilities shaped her outlook on life while seeking recognition as a female songwriter among all-male acts from that era.
At first she found work at architectural firms and magazines like NME before landing at Kings Road boutique Sex of Vivienne Westwood’s brand Sex where she met bassist Pete Farndon, guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and drummer Martin Chambers to form what would later become known as The Pretenders. Since that time the band has continued recording and touring both within their original lineup as well as with Johnny Marr for special appearances like Glastonbury reunion set alongside new lineup of Hynde, guitarist James Walbourne and pedal steel guitarist Eric Heywood that have produced some timeless hits that has brought joy into many lives worldwide.
They’re a Rock Band
The Pretenders were an iconic band in rock’s confessional underbelly during 1979-80. Led by legendary vocalist Chrissie Hynde and known for their blend of punk energy and melodic sensibilities, The Pretenders defined rock’s confessional underbelly through their music, which brought together mainstream FM rockers, self-conscious new wavers and toughs still unsettled by musical fractures like 1979-80’s fractured music landscape.
In 1979, The Pretenders made an explosive debut, thanks to Lowe’s production of their debut single: a cover of Ray Davies’ “Stop Your Sobbing.” Within months their self-titled debut album hit stores; chart success quickly followed suit; singles such as “Kid,” “Message of Love,” and a rendition of Kinks’ “Brass in Pocket” all reached top positions on UK charts.
The Pretenders continued their legacy by producing classic albums like Learning To Crawl and Get Close, before bassist Hobson left to be replaced by Nick Wilkinson – remaining part of their iconic lineup for an additional decade – during which Hynde became increasingly interested in environmental activism, opting to go vegetarian as she became politically outspoken on a range of issues such as gay rights.