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Chrissie Hynde's Tragic Pretenders Journey
16 Sep
Summary
- Chrissie Hynde reflects on band's struggles in new film.
- Founding members' deaths deeply impacted the band.
- Pretenders continue releasing music since 1979.
The documentary "Pretenders" offers an intimate look at frontwoman Chrissie Hynde's life and career. It chronicles her move from Ohio to London in the late 1970s, leading to the formation of the influential band. The film highlights the group's early success with their 1979 debut album and singles like "Brass in Pocket." However, this period was also marked by significant personal turmoil and substance abuse.
The documentary does not shy away from the devastating losses the band endured. It details the deaths of guitarist Jimmy Honeyman-Scott in 1982 from heart failure due to cocaine use, and bassist Pete Farndon in 1983 from a heroin overdose. These tragedies profoundly affected Hynde and the band's trajectory, deeply impacting the sound and future of the Pretenders.
Despite the immense heartbreak and the revolving lineup over the years, Hynde's dedication to the music persisted. The Pretenders released their latest album, "Relentless," in 2023, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Hynde's reflections underscore her enduring connection to Honeyman-Scott and the music they created, affirming the band's lasting legacy.
