The Pretenders are currently on tour as the supporting act for Guns N’ Roses on their North American Stadium Tour. The band just played MetLife Stadium in New Jersey two nights ago.
However, in addition to that they recently announced a very special headline tour in the US simultaneously, which is hitting small and intimate venues. The tour comes in support of their new studio release RELENTLESS which comes out September 15 on Rhino Records.
The spaces holding frontwoman Chrissie Hynde and the band are the opposite of a sold-out MetLife, but they are just as fun; it all started with this week’s show at the legendary Bowery Ballroom in New York City.
The Bowery was the scene of a musical revival as The Pretenders took the stage at 8:30 p.m. with no opening act, quickly reminding the crowd as to how and why they remain an enduring force in the rock world.
Photos by Ehud Lazin
While at MetLife Stadium the night prior, they made it a point to to played all the hits, whereas at the Bowery Ballroom, Hynde seemed to make it a point that those small, intimate shows of theirs would be an opportunity for her to focus solely on deep cuts and songs off the upcoming album (with a few from their previous release of HATE FOR SALE, as well). It’s safe to say no one walked away dissapointed after the 19-song set, and it was refreshing to see her command the stage and room, having people listen and take it all in without having any true sing-a-longs for the room to erupt in. Hits aside, Hynde couldn’t have added anything more to this unique classic rock performance and was joined by the current lineup of Pretenders: Kris Sonne (drums), David Page (bass), and James Walbourne (guitar). It was one for the books.
Setlist
- Losing My Sense of Taste
- A Love
- Turf Accountant Daddy
- The Adultress
- Downtown (Akron)
- The Buzz
- Domestic Silence
- Time the Avenger
- Biker
- Boots of Chinese Plastic
- Don’t Cut Your Hair
- Thumbelina
- Gotta Wait
- You Can’t Hurt a Fool
- Tequila
- Let the Sun Come In
- Junkie Walk
Encore
- Precious
- Tattooed Love Boys
