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Pretenders Announce 2023 North American Tour Dates

Pretenders have announced a North American tour. The band will play headlining dates in support of their upcoming album, Relentless , beginning with an August 16 show at New York’s Bowery Ballroom. Pretenders are also slated to open multiple shows on Guns N’ Roses’ stadium tour ; find a full list of dates below.

Relentless , Chrissie Hynde and crew’s first new album in three years, is out September 15 via Rhino Records . The release marks Pretenders’ return to Warner Music Group after more than 20 years. The group has shared two singles from Relentless so far: “ Let the Sun Come In ” and “ I Think About You Daily ,” which features Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood.

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Pretenders:

08-11 Hershey, PA - Hersheypark Stadium * 08-15 East Rutherford, NJ - MetLife Stadium * 08-16 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom 08-18 Pittsburgh, PA - PNC Park at North Shore * 08-21 Boston, MA - Fenway Park * 08-24 Chicago, IL - Wrigley Field * 08-26 Nashville, TN - The Blue Room 08-29 Asbury Park, NJ - The Stone Pony 08-31 Washington, D.C. - The Atlantis 09-03 Toronto, Ontario - Rogers Centre * 09-05 Detroit, MI - Shelter 09-07 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St Entry 09-09 St. Louis, MO - Busch Stadium * 10-01 Dana Point, CA - Ohana Festival  10-02 Los Angeles, CA - The Regent Theater 10-04 Pioneertown, CA - Pappy + Harriet’s 10-06 San Francisco, CA - Bimbo’s 365 Club

* with Guns N’ Roses

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The Pretenders Unveil Run Of 'Rare' 2023 US Tour Dates

By Logan DeLoye

July 20, 2023

The Pretenders recently announced a U.S. headlining tour that will feature what lead singer Chrissie Hynde refers to as "new songs and old - something for everyone." The band took to social media to announce the highly anticipated tour, detailing tour stops and ticket information.

" We’re pleased to announce The Pretenders will be headlining some additional intimate shows whilst in the States this year." General admission tickets for the tour will go on sale Friday, July 21st, at 10:00 a.m. local time. As part of the upcoming tour, The Pretenders will be performing in New York, New York, Nashville, Tennessee, Asbury Park, New Jersey, Washington, DC, Detroit, Michigan, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Los Angeles, California, Pioneertown, California, and San Francisco, California. The tour will begin on August 16th in New York, and conclude in San Francisco on October 6th.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Pretenders (@thepretendershq)

Each show will take place at a small, intimate venue giving fans the rare opportunity to listen to the band in a more personal setting. The Pretenders will also be opening for Guns N' Roses through September as part of their 2023 world tour . As if announcing a run of intimate U.S. tour dates isn't exciting enough, The Pretenders will be releasing their forthcoming album , Relentless , on September 1st.

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Pretenders Announce Intimate 2023 US Headlining Tour

Pretenders will supplement their summer stadium shows opening for Guns N' Roses with an intimate U.S. headlining tour in support of their upcoming album  Relentless .

The nine-date club jaunt kicks off on Aug. 16 at New York's Bowery Ballroom and wraps up on Oct. 6 at San Francisco's Bimbo's 365 Club. Tickets go on sale on Friday. You can see the full list of dates below.

Pretenders just concluded a European stadium run with Guns N' Roses and will continue opening for the rockers next month, supporting them on seven North American stadium shows throughout August and September. They're also slated to perform at Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California, in October.

The band will release Relentless , its 12th album, on Sept. 15. The album follows 2020's  Hate for Sale , and they've previewed it with the singles " Let the Sun Come In " and " I Think About You Daily ."

As for the album title, Chrissie Hynde said in a previous statement: "I enjoy seeing the various meanings and origins of a word – and I liked the definition: 'Showing no abatement of intensity.' It's the life of the artist. You never retire. You become relentless."

The Pretenders 2023 North American Tour (New Headlining Dates in Bold) Aug. 11 - Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium * Aug. 15 - East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium * Aug. 16 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom  Aug. 18 - Pittsburgh, PA @ PNC Park at North Shore * Aug. 21 – Boston, MA @ Fenway Park * Aug. 24 – Chicago, IL @ Wrigley Field * Aug. 26 - Nashville, TN @ The Blue Room Aug. 29 - Asbury Park, NJ @ The Stone Pony Aug. 31 - Washington, DC @ The Atlantis Sept. 3 - Toronto, ON @ Rogers Centre * Sept. 5 - Detroit, MI @ Shelter Sept. 7 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry Sept. 9 – St. Louis, MO @ Busch Stadium * Oct. 1 – Dana Point, CA @ OHANA Festival † Oct. 2 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Regent Theater Oct. 4 - Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy + Harriet's Oct. 6 - San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo's 365 Club

* w/ Guns N’ Roses † Festival Appearance

Pretenders and Chrissie Hynde Albums Ranked

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Pretenders Announce 2023 Headlining Tour

Peter Burditt

Updated: 

The Pretenders are set to kick off their headlining Relentless Tour on August 16 at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. The tour will consist of nine different locations, with its final show being on October 6 in San Francisco at Bimbo’s 365 Club. Tickets go on sale Friday (July 21) at 10am local time.

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The tour runs parallel with The Pretenders’ new studio album, Relentless , which is set to be released on September 15. The project features the second full-length songwriting collaboration between Chrissie Hynde and James Walbourne, the first being the 2020 album Hate For Sale . The album was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer, David Wrench, and was recorded at the iconic Battery Studios in Northwest London. Another star-studded appearance on the album is composer Johnny Greenwood (Radiohead, The Smile), who both composed and played on the already-released album’s single, “I Think About You Daily.”

[RELATED: The London Punk Origins of The Pretenders]

The announcement of both the tour and the album comes as quite the full-circle moment for the band. The recording and release of the album mark the band’s return to the Warner Music Group after their departure from the label two decades ago. Furthermore, the tour is the band’s 45th year of playing live shows since their debut in 1978.

The Pretenders will simultaneously be making appearances alongside Guns N’ Roses on their North American Stadium Tour set to begin on August 11 at Hershey Park Stadium. Additionally, the band will also be playing at the Ohana Festival as a supporting act for the Foo Fighters. In past years, the Pretenders has performed with Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Def Leppard, and Phil Collins. They’ve also made festival appearances at Glastonbury, Vilar De Mouros, and The Great Escape.

For more information about ticket sales and album details, click HERE .

The Pretenders Tour 2023:

11 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium *

15 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium *

16 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

18 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park at North Shore *

21 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park *

24 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field *

26 – Nashville, TN – The Blue Room

29 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony

31 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis

3 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre *

5 – Detroit, MI – Shelter

7 – Minneapolis, MN – 7 th  St Entry

9 – St. Louis, MO – Busch Stadium *

1 – Dana Point, CA – OHANA Festival †

2 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater

4 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy + Harriet’s (Outdoor)

6 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club

* w/ Guns N’ Roses

† Festival Appearance

( Photo: Ki Price / Courtesy of Big Hassle PR )

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The pretenders announce new 2023 tour dates.

Classic Rock

The Pretenders are currently promoting their new album “Relentless” and already had some dates scheduled in the United States this year as the opening act for Guns N’ Roses . But now the group announced headlining tour dates that will happen between those shows with the American Hard Rock band.

The shows will happen next August, September and October. The group’s currently line-up has Chrissie Hynde (Vocals, guitar and harmonica), Martin Chambers (Drums), Nick Wilkinson (Bass – Since 2005), James Walbourne (Guitar and keyboards – Since 2008) and Eric Heywood (Guitar – Since 2008).

The group already toured with Guns N’ Roses last June and July across Europe.

The Pretenders 2023 tour dates

11 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium (Opening for Guns N’ Roses) 15 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium (Opening for Guns N’ Roses) 16 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom 18 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park at North Shore (Opening for Guns N’ Roses) 21 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park (Opening for Guns N’ Roses) 24 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field (Opening for Guns N’ Roses) 26 – Nashville, TN – The Blue Room 29 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony 31 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis

3 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre (Opening for Guns N’ Roses) 5 – Detroit, MI – Shelter 7 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry 9 – St. Louis, MO – Busch Stadium (Opening for Guns N’ Roses)

1 – Dana Point, CA – OHANA Festival 2 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater 4 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy + Harriet’s 6 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club

Possible The Pretenders setlist

The setlist might be really similar from the one that the band performed during the last couple of months mixing new songs from their latest album with some classics. An example is the setlist of the show that happened last July 8 at Circo Massimo in Rome, Italy.

• Losing My Sense of Taste
• Turf Accountant Daddy
• Time the Avenger
• Message of Love
• Hymn to Her
• Don’t Get Me Wrong
• Back on the Chain Gang
• Let the Sun Come In
• Middle of the Road
• Junkie Walk
• I’ll Stand by You
• Mystery Achievement

I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG

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The Pretenders are a transatlantic rock band that formed in Hereford England in March 1978. Despite a great deal of turmoil throughout their career, the band has remained a chart-topping success, for the last three decades.

Chrissie Hynde, originally from Akron, Ohio, moved to London in 1973, and worked at the prestigious NME and also at Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood’s clothes store. The Pretenders formed in 1978 after Dave Hill at Anchor Records heard a couple of Hynde’s demos. He booked a rehearsal studio in Denmark Street, where a 3-piece band made up of Hynde, Mal Hart on bass an Phil Taylor of Motörhead on drums played a few of Hynde’s original songs. Hill was impressed by the result, so arranged a day of recording a Studio 51 to record another demo. He saw the potential very early on, and suggested that Hynde should form a much more permanent band to record for his new label, Real Records. Adding Pete Farndon on bass, James Honeyman-Scott on guitar, and Gerry Mcilduff on drums, this band would go on to record five tracks at Regents Park Studio in July 1978, including “Stop Your Sobbing”. They later became The Pretenders after the Platters song “The Great Pretender”. Their first single, a cover of The Kinks, “Stop Your Sobbing”, caught the attention of many, and then their following single “Brass in Pocket” released in January 1980 earned the band their first number 1 in the UK. Their self-titled debut album would go on to be named one of the best albums of all time by VH1.

The second full-length album, “Pretenders II” was released on August 15th, 1981, and became such a huge success making it to number 7 in the UK Album Chart. It was a dark time for the band, with Farndon being fired by Hynde, and then two days later, on June 16th 1982, James Honeyman-Scott died of Heart failure as a result of cocaine intolerance. Farndon, was found dead the following year on April 14th 1983 by his American wife, Conover. This left The Pretenders with two living members.

They re grouped, with Hynde continuing with the band recruiting Rockpile guitarist Billy Bremner and Big Country bassist, Tony Butler to record the single “Back on the Chain Gang”. The song was released in October, becoming their biggest success in the US staying at No. 5 for three weeks. “Learning to Crawl” became yet another hit album for the band in 1984. Over the course of the last thirty years, they have remained a chart-topping band, maintaining their success.

Across their career, alongside staying at the top of the charts, they played at Live Aid in 1985 and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Live reviews

This was a total letdown.

The Pretenders did not open for Stevie Nicks because Chrissie Hynde was sick.

I get that.

But was so disappointing is that she had been sick for several days and the concert organizers knew she would not perform that night.

But instead of alerting concert goers in advance and giving them a chance to cancel and get a refund, you had to actually drive to the venue to find out that the Pretenders were not playing.

Then and there, you could get a refund at the Arena.

Once people had driven to the venue and had bothered to park, not many wanted to cancel.

Not very nice from the organizers.

Next day solo show of the Pretenders at the Fillmore in Silver Spring was also canceled, but at least we were informed by email and got an automatic refund.

Report as inappropriate

Chrissie must be one of the coolest ladies in the rock universe. She looks great, she sounds great. At 66 she still has her very powerful and unique voice. Only Chrissie and the drummer is left from the original band, still it sounds like we want it to. Her guitarist is also a member of The Rails, which did a wondelful job as opening act.

The consert is a nice mix of old and new stuff, with a bunch of the old goodies half way in the consert. From now on everybody stands up, clapping, singing and dancing.

The fact that the happening takes place in the beautiful old Usher Hall just makes the experience even better.

All in all, going all the way from Norway to Scotland to see Chrissie and the Pretenders was absolutely worth the price :) Next time I hope to see her in Norway!

Well the pretenders were a no-show. I understand from other guests and the box office that they are doing that frequently around the country. I didn't really care personally however I think it is false advertising to have the opening act be in default. We could not get to the arena on time due to traffic, and Stevie started at 8 so it all worked out in the wash. But it is false advertising to repeatedly the booking for 2X and you only get one with no refund or partial refund available. These are not good business practices and I will not be using that ticket service again I don't care if they did advertise on Facebook and I got the tickets a week before the concert front row. I paid good money and I expected two shows!

I'm embarrassed to say the only Pretenders album I own is their greatest hits. As a concert regular I see about 25 shows a year and went last night just to have another on my seen list. I was blown away! This was one of the greatest live shows I've seen. Chrissie was u believable and sounds like she's still in her twenties. That lead guitarist is possibly the best I've ever seen. I know 95% of the music and loved those I did t know as well. These guys were tight. I'm already looking for their next show. I cannot express how much fun they were. Lots of dumb grins leaving Terminal 5 last night. Thanks guys!

I was very impressed by both artists at the Prudential center. I am sure no one wants to be reminded of their age...but these women were phenomenal! Chrissy at 65 and Stevie at 68 were powerhouses worthy of their star statuses of 40 years ago. It was a wonderful walk through time. The acoustics at this venue really enhanced the atmosphere. Stevie's stories were riveting and a big "boo" to the murmurs around me asking her to "shut up and sing". How rude. She is a legend and I was truly happy to hear her musings...

Chrissie Hynde still has it going on. Her voice hasn’t lost pitch. She can rock the guitar and hold

Her own with all the musical greats. She’s funny. She’s honest. She is beautiful. Her music is relevant and soulful. Her band is tight. She is an inspirational iconic woman, not just holding her own in the male dominated musical world, but in life. Can’t wait to read her book!

I was at the Pretenders at the orpheum in Boston last night. 3rd row seats! An Amazing show!! 2 hours of rock and roll. no one sat down the entire time. Chrissie Hynde was incredible!! And the lead guitarist was insanely good!! The crowd was dancing and singing the entire time!! Great,Great show . Would see them again and again!

Last July i had front row tickets 4 my fav band. Spent a bundle as it was my first sober concert in 40 years. They canceled 3 hours before the show. Oh yea right by your hometown in Ohio. Still favorite band and i didn't have to dtink over it!!! I'll get em next time LUV YA GANG!!!!

Brian Motts Columbus Ohio

Concert was short. About an hour and they left stage. Did two encores but I still think short. They left a lot of their best songs off, such as Mystery Achievement. They did have some highs. Chrissy’s voice was excellent. It just seemed a bit lack luster.

They were PURE ROCK N ROLL ...SOUNDED AMAZING ....EVEN WHEN TELLING CROWD TO "PUT FUCKING PHONES AWAY "

She pulls no punches , but gives an incredible show. Played ALL the hits ...basically the entire singles album

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The Pretenders to embark on intimate small venue U.S. tour in the summer: Will they be coming home to Ohio?

• Updated: Jul. 19, 2023, 2:11 p.m.
• | Published: Jul. 19, 2023, 1:37 p.m.

Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders performs at The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium in London, Sept. 3, 2022. The Pretenders will embark on a tour of intimate venues as well as opening for Guns n' Roses in the Summer. Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur/Paramount ©2022 Paramount. All Rights Reserved. Paramount

• Malcolm X Abram, cleveland.com

AKRON, Ohio - The Pretenders will embark on a tour of “intimate venues” beginning in August at the famed Bowery Ballroom in New York City and running through early October. Tickets for the shows go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 21, at thepretenders.com . The tour will not stop in Northeast Ohio but will come to The Shelter in nearby Detroit on September 5.

The 2005 Rock Hall inductees led by singer-songwriter and Akron native Chrissie Hynde will be touring behind their upcoming 12th studio album, “Relentless,” due out on Rhino Records on Sept. 15.

The album is also available now for preorder . The album’s dozen tracks were all co-written by Hynde with longtime Pretenders guitarist James Walbourne. It has been teased with two singles, the peppy “Let The Sun Come In” and the ballad “I Think About You Daily,” featuring a string arrangement by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead.

Additionally, The Pretenders will join select dates on the upcoming Guns N’ Roses tour including a stop at Hershey Park Stadium in Hersey, Pa., on Friday, Aug. 11, and PNC Park at North Shore in Pittsburgh on Friday, Aug. 18.

Here is the complete tour itinerary:

THE PRETENDERS - TOUR 2023

11 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium *

15 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium *

16 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

18 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park at North Shore *

21 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park *

24 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field *

26 – Nashville, TN – The Blue Room

29 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony

31 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis

The Pretenders, led by singer-songwriter and Akron native Chrissie Hynde. will be touring behind their upcoming 12th studio album, “Relentless,” due out on Rhino Records on Sept. 15. The album’s dozen tracks were all co-written by Hynde with longtime Pretenders guitarist James Walbourne. It has been teased with two singles, the peppy “Let The Sun Come In” and the ballad “I Think About You Daily,” featuring a string arrangement by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead.

3 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre *

5 – Detroit, MI – Shelter

7 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry

9 – St. Louis, MO – Busch Stadium *

1 – Dana Point, CA – OHANA Festival †

2 – Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater

4 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy + Harriet’s (Outdoor)

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6 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club

* w/ Guns N’ Roses

† Festival Appearance

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The Pretenders: O2 Ritz, Manchester – Live Review

Chrissie Hynde and some new Pretenders play an intimate gig full of Rock n’ Roll classics, both old and new, to a devotional sold-out house in Manchester writes MK Bennett

I have seen the low sun, spotted with mystic horrors, Lighting up, with soft violet clots, Resembling actors of very ancient dramas, The waves rolling far off their quivering of shutters! – The Drunken Boat, Arthur Rimbaud.

Chrissie Hynde is an intellectual rock n’ roller, in every sense of the word. A scholar in the studied/studded nonchalance and offhand brilliance of the early days of Sun Records and Loretta Lynn, of the razor blade dangers of Cochran and Vincent, the exact angle of Keith’s cigarette, of Hillbilly Elvis of Brando, Miles, & Hendrix. It was this deep knowledge of everything good that preached the word, that led her to somehow transcend that fandom and become that thing she idolized. You can see this fairytale in every smile she gives the crowd, every deliberately struck pose, guitar high in the air, leg slightly bent at the knee, head back. She absolutely lives this thing, and adores it.

One brilliant song after another, Domestic Silence, Biker, then we hit the first of the classics, Don’t Get Me Wrong is a warm day when you were much younger than now, sat in your parent’s kitchen with the radio on, condensation and Marrowfat peas, a comfort blanket of discomfiting nostalgia. Next up is Kid, a song so perfect, so well written, with so much lost beauty in both what it says and what it means, that half the room forget to breathe until the second verse, while the other half scream, rightly, like happy children. In a better world Kid would be ranked with Honky Tonk Woman, Heartbreaker or any of Morrisons shorter numbers as one of the great rock n roll numbers. To be clear, it was outrageously good, as note-perfect as possible, impossibly perfect.

There may have been something about one of the more outspoken members of The Smiths, but impossible to say whether that was a mass fever dream or not. If not it is possible that Chrissie got everybody to sing Happy Birthday to Johnny Marr, whose Birthday is next week, before coaxing the band into a hastily assembled version of Everyday Is Like Sunday, a song that reminds me that before we had MTV in the UK, you could buy the equivalent of Smash Hits on VHS, then tape over it when you were bored. Proper immersive technology.

A word on the last song of the set, Junkie Walk, winner of the years most onomatopoeic song title, as it lurches, bumps, and staggers its fabulous arse all around the stage.

What may turn out to be the fastest three-song encore in history comes after a minute’s breather, Ray Davies’s magnificent Stop Your Sobbing, a song called Cuban Slide that could only have been called Cuban Slide, and a Mystery Achievement, which sadly only unlocked the house lights and The Velvet Underground. This is a different level of both expertise and finesse, to have this practised elasticity, this loose joy, this wide-eyed but knowing wonder, to swing perfectly, to rock and to roll.

Please note: Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to contact the photographer please email: [email protected]

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All words by MK Bennett, you can find his author’s archive here plus his Twitter and Instagram

All photos by Melanie Smith – Louder Than War | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Portfolio

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