On the same Sunday night as Hockley Hustle, The Pretenders graced Nottingham with their much delayed UK tour. Michael Prince witnessed this triumphant return...
I first saw The Pretenders supporting some band called U2… They played five songs from that concert tonight and I was thrilled to hear them live again.
Tonight, The Pretenders were supported by The Picture Books, a rock band who Chrissie Hynde saw soundchecking at The Harley Davidson music festival in Saint Tropez and which eventually led to them coming on this tour. A duo, they really rocked and had a clear love of Bruce Springsteen. They have played in Nottingham a few times previously and tonight the lead singer Fynn gave praise to his dad, who is also manager and video producer for the band. A harrowing story of being a hit and run victim, he received the loudest of cheers as he sat at the mixing desk.
A brief "Hello Nottingham!" and Chrissie launched straight into Sense of Taste. Cool and stylish as ever in tight jeans, long boots, a Rock & Roll Wheels & Dolls T shirt, and – for the the cherry on the cake – a cream jacket, she put the other band members and the audience to shame, but then again, we were all there to see her.
Tonight was all about quality and The Pretenders showed why they can still hit he mark, decades on with plenty of hits such as Talk of the Town and, obviously, Chain Gang. Chrissie jokingly reminded someone to finish with their phone for the evening. Just saying enough without ever overstating it. It was great to see her back to health after the postponement due to a knee injury earlier in the year. Clearly the songs display the strength of passion and belief of what she is saying, always one to know her direction through determination and adversity.
I had forgotten such feelings as the haunting and oppressive humidity apparent in the excellent Private Life – absolutely dripping with emotion. Chrissie sings from the heart, no matter which song and it was a delight to see her live with her distinctive style of vocal inclinations and peculiarities. An absolute joy to behold.
Besides Chrissie was happy to allow the rest of the band to have their moments with some great solos and clearly they all revelled in the moment of performing in such an excellent venue as the Royal Concert Hall. Despite being all seating I couldn't stop my feet tapping along and bobbing my head, and a few danced at the edge of the aisles.
Over 20 songs and an encore, they never overplayed it but kept it keen with the audience joining in with occasional requests and banter. Exploring reggae, pop and country, but never losing the essence of song-writing she honed from the early days, Chrissie knew exactly what we wanted
and just how much to give out. Tantalising with her guitar work she is pure Rock. Singing from the heart sets The Pretenders apart.
The beautiful I Think About You Daily wrenches your heart out, drifting in and out of blues and easily listening ballads. Finally in the encore they play I'll Stand By You. Absolutely stunning.
A nice touch after the band had left was the handing out of a couple of set lists and someone I later met, called Victoria, scampering onto the stage to retrieve the plectrum Chrissie had absent-mindedly cast aside earlier. These moments are what live music is for. Brilliant.
The Pretenders performed at the Royal Concert Hall on 20th October 2024.
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