Sat 11/26 @ 8PM
After 36 years, the Pretenders are still alive and kicking. The band fronted by Akron native Chrissie Hynde, who moved to London in the mid ’70s, was a sensation out of the box with their 1980 self-titled debut album. Hynde returned to northeast Ohio in triumph on March 18, 1980 to play her first show here with her Pretenders — sold-out show at the old Agora on E. 24th Street
There’s been a lot of water — and a lot of Pretenders — under the bridge since then. Two of the original quartet have died, although original drummer Martin Chambers is still part of the “band” that always was basically Hynde’s vehicle, showcasing her distinctive soulful voice and prickly songs. And there hadn’t been any new music from the band since 2008’s Break Up the Concrete, although Hynde released a solo album, Stockholm, with a group of Swedish musicians, in 2014.
But the “band” — actually an assortment of guest musicians backing Hynde — has just released a new album Alone, their tenth. The title and the fact that Hynde alone is on the cover should tell you it’s still as always just the Chrissie Show. But it’s a real cross-generational Akron affair — it was produced by an Akron musician almost 30 years younger than Hynde: Black Keys singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach.
The Pretenders are out on tour opening to Stevie Nicks. But they’ll perform a headlining show in Hynde’s hometown at EJ Thomas Hall. Tickets are $37.50-$75.