Pretenders

Pretenders Live Performance of 'Back On The Chain Gang' at Live Aid 1985

John F. Kennedy Stadium
Philadelphia, PA, USA

• In July 1985, The Pretenders performed "Back On The Chain Gang" at Live Aid, a concert that became a significant moment not only for the band but also... Read Full Description >

  In July 1985, The Pretenders performed "Back On The Chain Gang" at Live Aid, a concert that became a significant moment not only for the band but also for the global humanitarian effort. Prior to this iconic performance, the band had released their acclaimed album "Learning to Crawl" in 1983, which re-established them in the music scene after the tragic loss of their original guitarist, James Honeyman-Scott, and showcased their resilience. The live performance at the historic event solidified their place in rock history, as they played before an audience of over 100,000 and millions watching globally. Notably, "Back On The Chain Gang" was a tribute to Honeyman-Scott, reflecting the band's ability to channel personal grief into powerful music. This performance marked a pivotal moment, bringing the band a renewed spotlight and further emphasizing the impact of their music beyond just entertainment, contributing to a global cause.

Pretenders Perform 'Middle Of The Road' at Live Aid 1985

John F. Kennedy Stadium
Philadelphia, PA, USA

• In July 1985, the Pretenders performed at Live Aid, an iconic event aimed at raising funds for Ethiopian famine relief, before a massive audience at J... Read Full Description >

  In July 1985, the Pretenders performed at Live Aid, an iconic event aimed at raising funds for Ethiopian famine relief, before a massive audience at John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia. At this point in their career, the Pretenders had just released their third studio album, "Learning to Crawl," in 1984, which marked a significant comeback for the band after the tragic loss of their founder and guitarist, James Honeyman-Scott, in 1982. The live recording of "Middle of the Road" captures the band's vibrant energy and resilience, showcasing their ability to connect with a large audience. Notably, lead singer Chrissie Hynde, known for her powerful stage presence and unique voice, further solidified her status as a prominent female figure in rock music during this performance. The band’s participation in Live Aid not only highlighted their continued relevance in the music scene but also their commitment to humanitarian efforts, embodying the spirit of the 1980s rock movement.

Pretenders Live Performance of 'Stop Your Sobbing' at Live Aid 1985

John F. Kennedy Stadium
Philadelphia, PA, USA

• In July 1985, the Pretenders performed "Stop Your Sobbing" at the iconic Live Aid concert, a pivotal event aimed at raising funds for the Ethiopian fa... Read Full Description >

  In July 1985, the Pretenders performed "Stop Your Sobbing" at the iconic Live Aid concert, a pivotal event aimed at raising funds for the Ethiopian famine. At this time, the band had recently released their third studio album, "Learning to Crawl," in 1984, which marked a significant shift in their career following the tragic loss of their original guitarist, James Honeyman-Scott, in 1982. "Learning to Crawl" helped to rejuvenate their popularity, yielding hits such as "Middle of the Road" and "Back on the Chain Gang." The Live Aid performance in front of around 100,000 fans came at a moment when the band was re-establishing their presence in the music scene, showcasing their resilience and ability to connect with a larger audience. Notably, the band's participation in this historic concert demonstrated their commitment to social causes, alongside their musical endeavors, further solidifying their status as influential artists of the era.