Pretenders: The Pioneering Force of New Wave Rock

The Pretenders are a British-American rock band that forged a unique path in the late 1970s new wave scene. Fronted by the formidable Chrissie Hynde, the group achieved major commercial success, with their self-titled debut album certified platinum in the United States and spawning several enduring rock radio hits.

Early career

The Pretenders formed in Hereford, England in 1978, built around the songwriting and distinctive voice of American-born Chrissie Hynde. After a revolving door of early members, the classic lineup solidified with guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, bassist Pete Farndon, and drummer Martin Chambers, securing a record deal with Real Records, a subsidiary of Sire.

Breakthrough

The band's 1979 self-titled debut album, Pretenders, was an immediate and explosive success on both sides of the Atlantic. It reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and broke into the Top 10 in the US, propelled by its sharp, genre-blending singles and earning platinum certification.

Key tracks

Brass in Pocket — This 1979 single became the band's first UK No. 1 hit, defining their confident, swaggering sound.

Back on the Chain Gang — A poignant 1982 hit written after the deaths of two original members, it became their highest-charting US single, peaking at No. 5.

Middle of the Road — A driving rock track from 1983's Learning to Crawl that showcased the band's resilient comeback and raw energy.

Don't Get Me Wrong — The band's 1986 smash from Get Close that returned them to the Top 10 on both the US and UK charts.

I'll Stand by You — A powerful 1994 ballad that became one of their most recognizable and enduring later-career anthems.

Following the tragic drug-related deaths of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott in 1982 and bassist Pete Farndon in 1983, Hynde rebuilt the band with new musicians. The subsequent album, 1984's Learning to Crawl, was a critical and commercial triumph, certified gold and spawning several hits. The Pretenders continued to release albums steadily, including 1986's Get Close and 1990's Packed!, while Hynde's status as a rock icon grew.

Their influence was cemented with a 2005 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band, with Hynde as the sole constant, has remained active, touring and releasing new material like 2020's Hate for Sale, proving the enduring power of their songcraft. Their music has been featured in collaborations and film soundtracks, maintaining a consistent presence.

The raw energy and melodic punch of The Pretenders finds kinship with other trailblazing acts. The Clash shared a similar punk-informed urgency and genre experimentation. Elvis Costello parallels Hynde's sharp, literate songwriting within the new wave framework. Blondie operated in the same era, blending pop hooks with rock and punk attitude to achieve massive crossover success. Tom Petty mirrors their dedication to classic rock song structures infused with a distinct, personal character.

Today, the music of The Pretenders remains a staple on classic rock FM stations and alternative rock radio stations, their hits regularly featured in rotations that celebrate rock's most vital eras. Their songs continue to resonate with new generations of listeners discovering guitar-driven rock.

You can hear the essential rock anthems of The Pretenders on radio stations featured on our website. Explore and listen to their iconic catalog through the classic rock and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com.