The Pretenders
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The Pretenders is an Anglo-American rock band that rose to fame via their self-titled debut album.
Contents |
Members
- Chrissie Hynde
- Adam Seymour
- Andy Hobson
- Martin Chambers
Former Members
- James Honeyman-Scott
- Pete Farndon
- Robbie McIntosh
- Malcolm Foster
- T. M. Stevens
- Blair Cunningham
- Bernie Worrell
- Johnny Marr
- Andy Rourke
About
The Pretenders was formed in 1978 by songwriter, vocalist and guitarist, Chrissie Hynde with James Honeyman-Scott for guitar, Pete Farndon for bass and Martin Chambers for drums.
Chrissie was born in Akron, Ohio. She studied in Firestone High School and took up college in Kent State University. In the mid-70's, Chrissie worked in SEX boutique before she started performing. She joined the band, Jack Rabbit. She quickly left them and formed The Berk Brothers.
In 1973, Chrissie transferred in London. In 1978, she met Pete, an Australian Folk-Rock, while performing at a club. Chrissie convinced Pete to form a new band, which they called, The Pretenders. Pete recruited guitarist, James. James recruited Martin to be their drummer. In the later part of the year, the band released their first single, Stop Your Sobbing that was produced by Nick Lowe. The single reached number 40 in British charts. There two follow-up singles were also a big hit.
In 1980, they released their self-titled debut album, which debuted at number one on UK Charts. They also became successful in America, with their album reaching number 10 at the US Charts. Their single, Brass in Pocket reached number 14.
In 1981, they released their second album, The Pretenders II which made well at the charts. In 1982, Pete was fired out from the band due to his drug abuse. In 1983, their guitarist, James Honeyman was found dead because of an overdose of heroine and cocaine. A year later, Pete also died of drug overdose.
In 1983, Chrissie reformed The Pretenders adding former Mantred Mann's Earth Band guitarist, Robbie Mcintosh and Malcolm Foster for bass. They released their album, 2000 Miles in time for Christmas.
In 1984, the newly reformed band released their album, Learning To Crawl which received good reviews from music critics and became hit. In 1986, Chrissie reformed the band again. She and Robbie remained in the group; the rest of their album released was recorded with sessions of musicians.
In 1990, the band released Packed which was a big disappointment failing to reached the charts either in the U.S. or U.K. In 1994, after three years of absence in the music industry, they released their album, Last of The Independents, which reached number 40 in the U.K. charts.
In 1995, the group released their first live album, Isle of View. After the release, the band was again absent from the music world. In 1999, they released Viva El Amor. In 2005, The Pretenders were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2006, they released their first ever box set, Pirate Radio under Rhino Records.
Awards & Certifications
Chart Toppers
| Year | Title | US Mainstream Rock | UK Country | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Brass In Pocket | - | 1 | Pretenders |
| 1981 | Talk of The Town | - | 8 | Extended Play; Pretenders II |
| 1981 | Message of Love | 5 | 11 | Extended Play; Pretenders II |
| 1981 | The Adultress | 12 | - | Extended Play; Pretenders II |
| 1981 | I Go To Sleep | - | 7 | Extended Play; Pretenders II |
| 1983 | Back On The Chain Gang | 4 | 17 | Learning To Crawl |
| 1983 | My City Was Gone | 11 | - | Learning To Crawl |
| 1983 | Middle of The Road | 8 | 81 | Learning To Crawl |
| 1983 | Show Me | 13 | - | Learning To Crawl |
| 1986 | Don't Get Me Wrong | 1 | 10 | Get Close |
| 1987 | My Baby | 1 | 84 | Get Close |
| 1990 | Never Do That | 5 | 81 | Packed! |
News
Tours & Concerts
There are no current tour and concert schedules for The Pretenders.
Announcements
There are no announcements as of this time
Discography
Albums
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Singles
| Date | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Stop Your Sobbing | Sire |
| 1979 | Kid | Sire |
| 1980 | Brass in Pocket | Sire |
| 1980 | Talk of The Town | Sire |
| 1981 | Message of Love | Sire |
| 1981 | Day After Day | Sire |
| 1981 | The Adultress | Sire |
| 1981 | I Go To Sleep | Sire |
| 1983 | Back on The Chain Gang | Sire |
| 1983 | My City Was Gone | Sire |
| 1983 | My City Was Gone | Sire |
| 1983 | 2000 Miles | Sire |
| 1983 | Middle of The Road | Sire |
| 1984 | Show Me | Sire |
| 1984 | Thin Line Between Love and Hate | Sire |
| 1986 | Don't Get Me Wrong | Sire |
| 1986 | Hymn To Her | Sire |
| 1987 | My Baby | Sire |
| 1987 | Room Full of Mirrors | Sire |
| 1990 | Never Do That | Sire |
| 1990 | Sense of Purpose | Sire |
| 1994 | Night in My Veins | Sire |
| 1994 | I'll Stand By You | Sire |
Compilations & Live Releases
 The Isle of View
October 24, 1995 |
