Pretenders

Pretenders, an English-American rock band, experienced a spectacular rise to fame in the late 70s and early 80s. They are regarded as one of the most influential and pioneering bands to emerge from the new wave, post-punk era. The band's frontwoman, Chrissie Hynde, is a music icon and one of the most distinctive female voices of her time. She founded the band in March 1978 and remained the primary songwriter and lead vocalist for the Pretenders throughout their career.

About Pretenders

The Pretenders' original lineup consisted of Chrissie Hynde, James Honeyman-Scott, Pete Farndon and Martin Chambers. Although the band's lineup has changed frequently over the years, Chrissie Hynde has remained in the forefront as the leader and creative force behind the band's sound. Their music is distinguished by a unique blend of punk, rock, pop, and new wave elements that showcase the band's versatility and innovation.

The Pretenders released their first album in January 1980, which included the hit single, "Brass in Pocket." The track became a massive commercial success, topping the UK charts and peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100. This single and their debut album helped establish The Pretenders as a major force in the music industry, earning them widespread critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.

The band followed up their debut album with an equally impressive self-titled second album released in 1981. In addition to showcasing the band's diverse sound, this album gave The Pretenders their first US top ten hit with "Back on the Chain Gang." The song reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidified their position as a top-selling rock band in America.

Throughout their career, The Pretenders released several critically acclaimed albums, such as "Learning to Crawl" (1984), which contained the hit single "Middle of the Road" and "Get Close"(1986), which included the hit song "Don't Get Me Wrong." Two decades after the band's formation, Pretenders released their ninth studio album "Break Up the Concrete" in 2008. The album received favorable reviews that praised its energetic, rock-driven sound that was reminiscent of the band's early days.

The Pretenders' music has been described as eclectic, dynamic, and innovative. They have explored a wide range of musical styles over the years, including rock, punk, new wave, Americana, and country. Chrissie Hynde's distinctive voice and songwriting skills have been the driving force behind the band's success, and her songs often contain deeply personal and emotional lyrics that resonate with fans worldwide. The band's music has influenced several artists and bands that followed in their footsteps and helped shape the punk and new wave music of the 80s and beyond.

Despite the unfortunate deaths of James Honeyman-Scott in 1982, Pete Farndon in 1983, and Martin Chambers' brief hiatus, the band has continued to thrive. Chrissie Hynde and Martin Chambers remain the only original members of The Pretenders today and are joined by bassist Nick Wilkinson and lead guitarist James Walbourne. The band continues to tour and perform globally, reminding us all of the groundbreaking musical legacy that they created over 40 years ago.

In short, The Pretenders are one of the most influential and innovative rock bands of their time, spearheaded by the legendary Chrissie Hynde. Their music has been recognized and celebrated for over four decades, as they continue to produce rock masterpieces that stand the test of time. Their live performances are nothing short of electrifying, making them an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide. With the release of "Hate for Sale" in 2020, The Pretenders have shown that they still have many more tricks up their sleeves.