The Pretenders: Pioneers of New Wave and Rock

The Pretenders are a British-American rock band that formed in Hereford, England, in 1978. The group, led by the formidable Chrissie Hynde, achieved major commercial success with their self-titled debut album, which went platinum in the United States and produced several enduring hit singles.

Early career

Chrissie Hynde, an American from Akron, Ohio, moved to London in 1973 and immersed herself in the punk scene. After writing for the UK music weekly NME and playing in early bands, she formed The Pretenders in 1978 with guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, bassist Pete Farndon, and drummer Martin Chambers. Their first single, a cover of The Kinks' "Stop Your Sobbing," was produced by Nick Lowe and released on the independent label Real Records in 1979.

Breakthrough

The Pretenders' breakthrough arrived swiftly with their self-titled debut album in January 1980. Released on Sire Records, The Pretenders climbed to number one on the UK Albums Chart and peaked at number nine on the US Billboard 200, eventually earning a platinum certification. The album's sharp blend of rock, punk, and pop, anchored by Hynde's distinctive vocals and songwriting, defined a new wave sound.

Key tracks

Brass in Pocket — This 1979 single became the band's first UK number one and a top 20 hit in the US, establishing their signature confident style.

Back on the Chain Gang — Released in 1982 after the deaths of two original members, this poignant song became a top five hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

I'll Stand by You — A powerful 1994 ballad that remains one of their most recognizable songs, reaching number 16 on the US charts.

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

Don't Get Me Wrong — The 1986 single from Get Close that became a major MTV hit and reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The band faced profound tragedy in 1982 and 1983 with the drug-related deaths of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon. Hynde and Chambers rebuilt the group, recruiting new musicians and releasing the acclaimed 1984 album Learning to Crawl, which went gold. Over the decades, The Pretenders have released a steady stream of albums, including 2020's Hate for Sale, with Hynde remaining the constant creative force. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.

Fans of The Pretenders' blend of rock attitude and melodic songcraft often appreciate similar artists. Listen to Elvis Costello for another sharp-tongued lyricist who merged punk energy with classic pop. Discover The Smiths for a different British guitar-based sound from the same era with jangling riffs. Explore Blondie for a parallel story of a new wave band fronted by a charismatic female icon. Check out Tom Petty for an American rock songwriter with a similarly roots-influenced yet modern approach.

The Pretenders' catalog is a staple on classic rock FM stations and alternative rock radio stations, where their hits from the 80s and deeper album cuts receive regular airplay. Their music also finds a home on online rock radio streams dedicated to new wave and post-punk genres, as well as independent music radio stations that celebrate influential rock acts with lasting legacies.

You can hear the essential music of The Pretenders on the radio stations featured across our website. Tune in to discover their iconic tracks and deep cuts broadcasting live on stations available through onairium.com.