Chrissie Hynde doesn't care if you like her. Honestly, she probably prefers if you don't. That serrated edge—the unapologetic, "don't mess with me" Akron grit—is exactly why The Pretenders didn't just survive the late 70s; they defined them. While other bands were busy trying to look pretty for the cameras, Hynde was busy figuring out how to balance a Fender Telecaster against a black leather jacket without dropping her cigarette.
She's 74 now, but don't call her a legacy act. Not to her face. As of early 2026, Hynde is still moving. Whether it's releasing the star-studded Duets Special with legends like Debbie Harry or dropping a live album like Kick 'Em Where It Hurts, the woman who gave us "Brass in Pocket" remains the most authentic thing in a room full of AI-generated pop.
The Ohio Misfit Who Conquered London
Chrissie Hynde didn't just wake up a rock star in London. She clawed her way there. Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1951, she was a self-described misfit. She spent her time at Kent State University—witnessing the 1970 massacre first-hand—before realizing the American Midwest had nothing left for her. So, she packed a bag and moved to London in 1973 with virtually nothing.
Think about that for a second. A woman from Ohio, alone in the epicenter of the budding punk scene. She worked at Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren's famous "Sex" shop. She wrote for NME. She even tried to start bands with Mick Jones of The Clash and members of The Damned.
Basically, she was everywhere but nowhere. It took five years of grinding before the "right guys" showed up. In 1978, she finally teamed up with James Honeyman-Scott, Pete Farndon, and Martin Chambers. They called themselves The Pretenders, named after the Sam Cooke version of "The Great Pretender."
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The impact was instant. Their 1980 debut album hit number one in the UK. People lost their minds over "Brass in Pocket." It wasn't just a hit; it was a manifesto. When she sang "I'm gonna make you notice," she wasn't asking for permission.
Tragedy, Resilience, and the "Hardcore" Years
Most bands would have folded after 1982. The Pretenders almost did. In a span of less than a year, the band's foundation crumbled.
Pete Farndon was kicked out on June 14, 1982, due to his spiraling drug use. Two days later—literally 48 hours—guitarist James Honeyman-Scott died of a cocaine overdose. He was 25. Then, in 1983, Farndon drowned in a bathtub after overdosing on heroin.
How do you even breathe after that?
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Chrissie Hynde did what she always does: she got back to work. She and drummer Martin Chambers (the only other original member who still pops up today) recruited new players and recorded Learning to Crawl. That record gave us "Back on the Chain Gang," a song that feels like a gut punch every time it plays. It’s a tribute to Honeyman-Scott, and it proved that Hynde’s songwriting was sturdier than the tragedy surrounding it.
Why She Isn't Your Average Rockstar
- The Voice: It’s a contralto that can go from a snarl to a whisper. It’s vulnerable but never weak.
- The Activism: She’s been arrested more times than some career criminals for animal rights. She doesn't just tweet about it; she smears "blood" on KFC windows.
- The Feminism (That She Rejects): Hynde famously hates being called a "female rocker." To her, she’s just a rocker. She’s often criticized modern feminism, saying she never felt held back because she was a woman—she just focused on being better than the guys.
The Pretenders Chrissie Hynde in 2026: Still Relentless
Lately, things have been interesting. In 2023, the band released Relentless, which many critics called their best work in decades. But Hynde is a restless soul.
Last year, she announced she was stepping away from the band's typical touring schedule because she’s tired of the "hot weather" at big outdoor festivals. She’s always preferred small, sweaty clubs anyway. That’s where the music actually lives.
Then came the Duets Special in late 2025. This wasn't some cheesy "celebrity friends" cash grab. It featured a haunting version of Fred Neil’s "Dolphins" with Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode and a stripped-back "I'm Not In Love" with Brandon Flowers. It showed that even at 74, her taste is impeccable. She isn't chasing trends; she's inviting everyone else into her world.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Her
People think she’s mean. They see the scowl and the refusal to play the "pop star" game and assume she’s difficult. But if you listen to her lyrics—really listen—there’s a massive amount of heart there. Look at "I'll Stand by You." It’s one of the most covered songs in history for a reason.
She’s a contradiction. She’s a staunch vegetarian who owned a vegan restaurant (VegiTerranean) in Akron until it closed in 2011. She’s a devotee of Eastern mysticism but lives in the middle of London’s chaos. She’s an artist who paints as much as she plays guitar.
Maybe the reason she’s still here is that she never cared about the "rock and roll lifestyle" as much as she cared about the song.
Actionable Insights for Fans and New Listeners
If you’re just getting into The Pretenders or want to dive deeper into Hynde’s world, don't just stick to the Greatest Hits. Here is how to actually experience the music:
- Listen to the Deep Cuts: Skip "Brass in Pocket" for a day. Listen to "Precious" or "Tattooed Love Boys" from the first album. That’s where the real grit is.
- Read "Reckless": Her 2015 memoir is a masterclass in honesty. She doesn't hold back on her mistakes, her trauma, or her triumphs.
- Follow Her Art: Check out her paintings. They provide a visual companion to the jagged, colorful way she writes songs.
- Catch a Theater Show: If the band announces a small theater date in 2026, buy the ticket. She’s stated she’s done with the stadium circuit, so these intimate shows are likely the last way to see her in her element.
The Pretenders Chrissie Hynde isn't just a name on a Hall of Fame plaque. She is a reminder that you can be 70-something and still be the coolest person in the room without even trying. She didn't "break the glass ceiling"—she just acted like it wasn't there until it actually disappeared.