Pretenders

  • Photo by Matt Holyoak

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Biography

After moving to London from Akron, Ohio, in 1973, Chrissie Hynde fast became a key player in London’s punk scene, and was involved in early versions of the Sex Pistols, the Clash and the Damned. In 1978 Hynde formed own band, The Pretenders, and although their debut singles ‘Stop Your Sobbing’ and ‘Kid’ garnered critical acclaim, it was ‘Brass in Pocket’ that gave the band their first UK #1.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 1980, has been named one of the best albums of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. The band went on to perform at Live Aid in ’85, and have since released 11 commercially acclaimed studio albums. Despite many line-up changes over the years, the Pretenders continue to release new music and perform sold out shows to fans worldwide.

Ohio born singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Chrissie Hynde formed The Pretenders in London in 1978, with Hereford natives, James Honeyman-Scott on guitar, Pete Farndon on bass, and drummer Martin Chambers.

Their debut album, released in January 1980, was the first UK number one album of the decade and garnered critical acclaim in Europe, The US, Australia and beyond.

The group’s personnel and dynamic has changed over the years, initially with the drug related deaths of Honeyman-Scott and Farndon in 1983. Hynde has remained a constant force as the band’s focal point, maintaining the original Pretenders unique guitar-based sound in the style of Honeyman-Scott.

She’s recorded 17 studio albums, primarily as Pretenders, and has guested with numerous other artists, including Frank Sinatra and Moreno Veloso.

The Pretenders latest album Hate for Sale, released July 2020, has ensured they continue to enjoy international airplay. They regularly tour the world to sold out venues.