The Pretenders play intimate, fan-centric show at 7th Street Entry

The Pretenders performed at 7th St Entry in Minneapolis on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.Steve Cohen for MPR

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September 08, 2023

The Pretenders have no shortage of massive, commercially successful hits — like “Brass in Pocket,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” “I’ll Stand By You,” and “Don’t Get Me Wrong.” At Thursday’s very sold-out 7th Street Entry show, they didn’t play a single one of them. Instead, they treated the fortunate few fans in attendance to a diehard Pretenders fan’s ideal setlist. Pulling exclusively from their extensive back catalog of B-sides, they proved that any song can be a hit as long as it’s played like one.

The Pretenders are currently in the midst of two simultaneous tours. One is what you would expect from a band with their legacy — playing North American arenas in support of Guns N’ Roses. At these shows, they play all the hits. The second tour is for the Pretenders themselves at 600-capacity or smaller venues on their off days from the GN’R tour. The Entry was the smallest venue of the bunch, capping out at just 250 fans.

A few minutes before showtime, Parliament’s “Chocolate City” began playing over the house speakers as the lights dimmed. The band, led by the legendary Chrissie Hynde, entered to an applause that somehow made the Entry feel even smaller. Hynde strapped on her sparkly Fender Telecaster as guitarist James Walbourne, bassist Dave Page, and drummer Kris Sonne took their respective places.

The Pretenders perform at 7th St Entry — The Pretenders performed at 7th St Entry in Minneapolis on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.
Steve Cohen for MPR

They went right into the first songs of the night: “Losing My Sense of Taste” and “A Love,” two tracks off Relentless, due out next Friday. Both songs feature all the components that make classic Pretenders songs so great — spaced-out, jangly guitar tones, rock-solid drum beats, bass that knows exactly when to step into the spotlight. And, of course, Hynde’s smoky, contralto voice, packed with bravado and vibrato. It was clear that Hynde still has it. Then again, it’s safe to say she’ll always have it.

Hynde took a brief moment to address the crowd: “I love this city. My favorite band, Low, is from here.” Then they launched into “Turf Accountant Daddy” off of 2020’s Hate for Sale. Following with “The Adultress,” off of 1981’s Pretenders II, Hynde used every ounce of her vocal range, from sultry low talking to vibrato-laden vocal runs.

Hynde and the Pretenders’ artistic prowess has always been a known quantity. But witnessing her playful and subtly seductive attitude, the raw grit in her voice, and the unfettered passion behind every song up close showed how she paved the way for bandleaders like Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Hynde also surrounds herself with absolute juggernaut musicians each night. On the rockabilly-friendly jam “Boots of Chinese Plastic,” Sonne was working overtime with big band and jazz swing fills – complete with chaotic, yet controlled flashy arm movements – that would’ve made Buddy Rich proud. Meanwhile, on “Thumbelina,” he executed a perfect Buck Owens-style country gallop without missing a beat. Page and Sonne’s rhythm section stayed perfectly in sync while the former’s bass lines carried each song without taking over.

Guitarist James Walbourne also brought a significant piece of the night’s magic by putting his entire body into his guitar solos. He has a way of going over the top without coming across as showing off. On “Biker,” his wah-ed-out solo utilized just enough of the effect without overdoing it. During the “Gotta Wait” solo, he was damn near convulsing. Finally, on “Thumbelina,” Walbourne’s fancy pick work was already mesmerizing, but on an extended solo he broke loose and outdid himself. At that moment it became apparent just how much fun the band is having playing these small-room shows.

While much of the night was light-hearted and upbeat, it wasn’t without its slower, down-tempo moments as well. For Hate for Sale’s “You Can’t Hurt a Fool,” Hynde ditched her guitar and grabbed the mic, dedicating the song to all the women in the crowd. “If there are any!” she noted. The heartfelt ballad had Hynes digging deep with her voice, projecting as much as she would for a date on the other, bigger tour but with just a faint hint of restraint. Grabbing her guitar again for a beautifully heartbreaking rendition of “Tequila,” her voice once again delivered all of its delicious vibrato. Her voice on the first song of the encore, Pretenders II’s “I Go to Sleep,” perfectly captured the sense of loss that comes with ending a love you thought would last forever.

Massively successful bands playing small rooms is certainly nothing new. Heck, the Killers just played First Avenue earlier this year. But to see such a legacy act like the Pretenders treat their most dedicated fans to a set of B-sides was truly something special. And the fact that the show was over before 10 p.m., well, that made it all the more special.

The Pretenders