The Pretenders aren’t faking anything
Legendary rocker Chrissie Hynde and original took the stage with three touring members for the last of a trio of shows at DC’s Warner Theater on Sunday (July 21st).
The intimate An Evening with the Pretenders concerts offered fans a chance to experience the group in an up-close-and-personal style. The players that accompany Hynde are stellar. They can flip easily between face-melting riffs and jumpy grooves.
The intimate setting allowed for each note to be felt, dripping with the Pretenders’ trademark renegade attitude.
Hynde’s voice is airy and soft. But it’s also rich enough to integrate with the complex melodies that propelled them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. The playing itself reached ethereal levels during the slower numbers. “I Think About You Daily” in particular had multiple applause points. The plucky bounce of “Time the Avenger” had the crowd
The tight group of musicians saved the biggest hits for last. It all combined for a great night that favored the musicianship and deeper catalog cuts, overcranking out the ones you’d most expect right away.
No matter. The crowd ate up whatever Hynde did. After all, her unapologetic individualism is at the heart of the Pretenders’ rebellious rock spirit. At one point in the night, she joked about getting in trouble for encouraging the crowd to dance in the aisles—while also balking at the rules—by saying “No man has been able to cut me down yet.”
