The devastating loss behind The Pretenders’ biggest hit in 1982
A smash hit with a dark past.
The Pretenders
Credits: Far Out / Sire Records
The Pretenders are an English-American rock band formed in Hereford, England, in 1978 by singer-songwriter Chrissie Hynde. Blending new wave, punk rock, rock and roll, pop rock and post-punk, the band became one of the defining acts of the late 1970s and 1980s.
Their self-titled debut album, Pretenders, is widely regarded as one of the greatest debut records in rock history, while hits including ‘Brass in Pocket’, ‘Back on the Chain Gang’, ‘Middle of the Road’, ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’ and ‘I’ll Stand by You’ established them as enduring chart favourites.
Although the line-up has changed significantly over the decades, Hynde has remained the band’s driving creative force, ensuring The Pretenders remain one of rock’s most influential and enduring acts.
The Pretenders News
Rural thugs, smack, and the story of Chrissie Hynde’s eventual 1980 breakthrough
A landmark success…
Chrissie Hynde condemns fans filming concerts on phones: “It reminds me of monkeys wanking”
“Can someone please explain.”
The radical bands that scared “the shit out of” Pete Townshend: “They’ll play it on the radio in LA”
“You can’t hear the words…”
The new wave band Neil Young called “one of the greatest ever”
The ultimate example of rock and roll attitude.
Remembering Chrissie Hynde’s brutal attack on “petty” English people and ‘EastEnders’
“Kinda pisses me off”.
The definition of punk, according to Chrissie Hynde: “Refreshing and interesting”
“It wasn’t about sex either.”
More About The Pretenders
The Pretenders are an English-American rock band formed in 1978 by Chrissie Hynde, best known for songs including 'Brass in Pocket', 'Back on the Chain Gang', 'Don't Get Me Wrong' and 'I'll Stand by You'.
Pretenders is widely regarded as the band's masterpiece, while Learning to Crawl, Pretenders II, Get Close and Last of the Independents are also among their most acclaimed releases.
The Pretenders helped bridge punk, new wave and classic rock with Chrissie Hynde's distinctive songwriting and vocals. Their blend of sharp guitar work, melodic hooks and emotional depth has influenced generations of rock musicians and established them as one of the defining bands of the late 20th century.