The Pretenders celebrate 40th anniversary of debut release

Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders recently talked to SPIN magazine about her band celebrating its 40th anniversary, the pandemic, and why ultimately a rock band is all about the guitar.

Hynde, an Ohio native from Akron, moved to London, England in the early 70′s and formed The Pretenders in 1978. The band played gigs around London and often played with The Clash and The Damned.

In regards to the creative process, Hynde told Spin, “Oh, I always share creative control. You could say it’s my band, but certainly, it’s collaborative. Especially with James, because he’s the guitar player, and a rock band is ultimately about the guitar. It’s about the other things, too, but that’s really my focus, or anyone’s focus if it’s a rock’n’roll band.”

In March 2005, The Pretenders were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Their self-titled first album was released in 1980 and since then they’ve released ten more. The most recent, Hate for Sale, was earlier this month.

As far as making new music, on one level Hynde seems indifferent. She told Spin, “...I’m not that driven. And I don’t think that the world needs my music, but I liked doing it, and as long as I can make a living out of it. I don’t even know if I can make a living out of it because people don’t buy records anymore. It’s all in the touring, and the touring’s over [because of the pandemic].”

You can read the entire Spin interview here. In the meantime, here are a few of The Pretenders’ biggest hits.

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