English-American rock band formed in Hereford, England in 1978 by American expatriate Chrissie Hynde (vocals/guitar). Original lineup included James Honeyman-Scott (guitar, 1978-1982, died), Pete Farndon (bass, 1978-1982, died), and Martin Chambers (drums). Both Honeyman-Scott and Farndon died of drug-related causes in 1982 and 1983 respectively.
Eleven studio albums starting with Pretenders (1979). Commercial peak: Pretenders II (1981) and Learning to Crawl (1984, featuring "Back on the Chain Gang" and "Middle of the Road"). The band has continued through frequent lineup changes around Hynde, who remains the only continuous member. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.
