The Pretenders

My encounter with Chrissie Hynde took place on February 5, 1982, at West Chester State College in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The show was held in a relatively small hall with excellent seating and sound, which made it an especially intense and unforgettable experience.

I still remember Chrissie wailing on stage while Martin Chambers slammed the drums behind her. Whether intentional or just a way to keep him from overheating, the drumheads kept filling with water—sending a huge splash into the air every time he struck them.

At the time, the Pretenders were at the height of their early fame, carrying all the “rock star baggage” that comes with it: sold-out shows, getting mobbed on the street, sprinting into waiting limousines—and, sadly, the heavy substance abuse that often went along with it. When the show ended, student security was supposed to rush the band out the back and into a limo before the crowd could overwhelm them. Everyone made it—except James Honeyman-Scott. Instead, he staggered into the crowd shouting, “Ooze the graaatest band in rock and roll?” over and over, barely able to keep on his feet. The band in the limo was begging him to get in, but he was having far too much fun. Student security was finally sent to retrieve him, turning his chant into a Monty Python–style routine: “The Rolling Stones?” “The Clash?” “Nooooo!” he slurred. “I meeean right now!” They eventually got him into the car—still without giving him the answer he wanted.

After the show, we learned the band was staying at a motel about a mile away, so we drove over and waited outside. Most of the band arrived—except James. He had jumped out of the moving limousine and vanished. He wasn’t found until the next day, thankfully unharmed. Tragically, just a few months later, on June 16, 1982, he was found dead from a cocaine overdose.

When the rest of the band arrived at the motel, Martin and Pete headed into the lounge for drinks. Chrissie went to her room, which had a door facing the parking lot. She stood there talking with us for quite a while—laughing, telling stories about life on the road, and joking about her missing guitar player. It was one of those rare, human moments that stays with you long after the music fades.

The band featured the original lineup: Chrissie Hynde (vocals, guitar), James Honeyman-Scott (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Martin Chambers (drums), and Pete Farndon (bass, vocals).

Setlist Included