An Evening with the Pretenders

Written by: Christie Bilbo

The Pretenders came to town to play an intimate night of music for fans at Toyota Music Factory in Irving. The band brought back memories from the late 1970s and 1980s. Seven years ago, they last entertained the metroplex, and fans were excited to relive the moment.

Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders’ self-titled album in 1980 was a huge success. It’s been labeled the most successful album of all time. Their sophomore album, Pretenders II, had just as much success, but MTV pushed songs like “Day After Day” and “Adulteress” up the charts.

In the early days, the band was plagued with issues of drug usage and overdoses. With original members, Pete Farndon was fired from the band for drug use. James Honeyman-Scott passed away from cocaine issues two days after the firing of Farndon. The band was left in a lurch and struggled with how they would continue.

Chrissie and the two remaining members went through a restructuring and multiple members over the years. However, they continued to produce music and tour the world. Never failing to put on a spectacular show, the band went on to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, proving to everyone that they were an instrumental part of the Punk Rock era.

Fast-forward to August 6, 2024, when The Pretenders hit the stage with the opening song, “Losing My Sense of Taste,” off their 2023 album Relentless. When they dedicated “Kid” to Honeyman-Scott and Farndon, it was emotional throughout the venue. Everyone missed the original members, and it was a special moment for all.

With hits like “Back on the Chain Gang” and “Don’t Get Me Wrong”, the crowd sang and danced. However, it was the two encores…Yes, there were two encores that brought the house down. With “Stop Your Sobbing,” “Tattooed Love Boys Middle of the Road,” “I’ll Stand by You,” and “Mystery Achievement,” the evening was closed on a high note.

I can’t state it enough. The 70s, 80s, and early 90s bands are killing it on the concert circuit this summer. If you have a favorite band from this era, you need to look them up. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.