When the Pretenders took the stage at Goodyear Theater in July 2024, it was immediately clear that this wasn’t just a nostalgic act coasting on hits. Chrissie Hynde and her band brought a fire and focus that made every song feel immediate, alive, and necessary. In a music world that often favors flash over substance, the Pretenders have always been about authenticity—and at this show, that authenticity hit the audience like a jolt of electricity.
From the moment the first notes rang out, the energy in the Goodyear Theater was palpable. The venue, intimate yet spacious enough for the band to stretch out, was packed with devoted fans of all ages. You could sense the anticipation in the air; everyone knew they were about to witness one of rock’s true survivors perform with the passion and intensity that has defined her career since the late ‘70s.
Setlist and Flow
Setlist:
Losing My Sense of Taste
A Love
Turf Accountant Daddy
Hate for Sale
Kid
Precious
The Buzz
My City Was Gone
You Can’t Hurt a Fool
Don’t Cut Your Hair
Domestic Silence
Private Life
I Think About You Daily
Biker
Vainglorious
Time the Avenger
The Wait
Boots of Chinese Plastic
The Phone Call
Merry Widow
Pack It Up
Encore:
Stop Your Sobbing (The Kinks cover)
Let the Sun Come In
Back on the Chain Gang
Encore 2:
Don’t Get Me Wrong
Mystery Achievement
I’ll Stand by You
Opening With Fire
The show kicked off with “Losing My Sense of Taste,” a punchy and immediate track that set the tone for the night. Chrissie Hynde emerged in her signature leather jacket and commanding stance, guitar in hand, and the band launched into the tight, rhythmic intro. From the first chord, it was clear that Hynde’s voice had lost none of its edge—still brassy, biting, and capable of both grit and melody.
“A Love” and “Turf Accountant Daddy” followed, deep cuts from the band’s newer repertoire, and the crowd was surprisingly enthusiastic. Hynde didn’t waste time pandering; she led the audience through a setlist that mixed classics with lesser-known tracks, proving that the Pretenders’ catalog is rich beyond the hits. The band’s chemistry was obvious—James Walbourne on guitar added fiery riffs and harmonics, Nick Wilkinson’s bass locked down the groove, and drummer Martin Chambers drove the songs with precision and stamina.
By the time “Hate for Sale” hit, the energy in the room was electric. It’s a song that cuts right to the core, and the live version emphasized the tension and release that makes the Pretenders so compelling. Hynde’s vocals soared on the chorus, the audience responding in kind, voices blending into a roar of recognition.
Classics and Crowd Favorites
The first real moment of collective nostalgia came with “Kid” and “Precious.” Hynde’s voice, simultaneously sultry and commanding, carried both songs effortlessly. “Precious” was particularly electrifying, with Walbourne’s guitar and Chambers’ drumming creating a sense of controlled chaos. The crowd’s reaction was intense—singing along, dancing in place, hanging on every note.
“The Buzz” and “My City Was Gone” followed, with the latter evoking a collective sigh of satisfaction. Hynde introduced the song with a few words about the city that shaped her, and as the iconic bassline rolled in, the audience immediately recognized it, waving hands in the air. It’s the kind of song that transcends time and place, and in this setting, it reminded everyone why the Pretenders became such a vital voice of both personal and social commentary.
“You Can’t Hurt a Fool” was another standout. The band’s tightness allowed Hynde to stretch vocally and rhythmically, letting the song breathe and build. The energy remained high as the band moved into “Don’t Cut Your Hair” and “Domestic Silence,” tracks that combine pop sensibility with punk-rock attitude—a reminder of the band’s roots in the late ‘70s UK scene.
“Private Life” was delivered with the kind of raw, unfiltered emotion that only Hynde can summon. Her phrasing and timing made every lyric feel lived-in, and the audience responded with quiet attentiveness, letting the power of the performance speak for itself.
Mid-Set Momentum
By the midpoint, the energy was a perfect blend of tension and release. “I Think About You Daily” and “Biker” showcased the band’s modern sensibilities—tight arrangements, dynamic shifts, and Hynde’s vocals cutting through the mix like a knife. “Vainglorious” and “Time the Avenger” continued the momentum, giving the crowd a taste of tracks they might not have expected but were thrilled to hear.
“The Wait” was delivered with subtle intensity. Hynde’s phrasing made the lyrics feel both urgent and intimate, a perfect counterbalance to the more bombastic tracks. “Boots of Chinese Plastic” followed, the guitar work particularly dazzling. Walbourne’s solo brought a new energy to the song, and the audience erupted into applause halfway through.
“The Phone Call” and “Merry Widow” were moments where the band slowed things slightly, allowing the crowd to absorb the intricacies of the arrangements. These tracks highlighted the band’s ability to move seamlessly between high-energy rockers and more delicate, nuanced performances.
The first set closed with “Pack It Up,” a raucous finale that left the audience buzzing. Chambers’ drumming was impeccable, Walbourne’s guitar soared, and Hynde’s vocals reached every corner of the theater. It was the perfect punctuation mark for the first 90 minutes of the show.
The Encores: Triumph and Connection
The first encore opened with “Stop Your Sobbing,” a Kinks cover that Hynde delivered with cheeky charm and authority. She played the guitar with both precision and attitude, making it clear why she’s one of rock’s most enduring frontwomen. “Let the Sun Come In” followed, its melodic hooks and lyrical optimism a welcome contrast to the gritty energy of the first set.
“Back on the Chain Gang” brought the audience to their feet. The song’s iconic guitar riff and soaring chorus had the entire theater singing along. It’s the kind of track that never gets old, and live, it felt fresh, immediate, and absolutely thrilling.
The second encore opened with “Don’t Get Me Wrong,” a breezy, upbeat number that had the audience dancing in the aisles. “Mystery Achievement” was next, a reminder of the band’s deep catalog and enduring creativity. Hynde’s vocals were impeccable throughout, effortlessly shifting between the airy highs and smoky mids that define her sound.
Finally, the show closed with “I’ll Stand by You,” a song that has become a universal anthem of support and solidarity. Hynde’s delivery was both tender and commanding, leaving the audience with a sense of emotional closure and communal connection. The performance wasn’t just a reminder of the Pretenders’ storied past—it was a declaration that they are still vital, still relevant, and still capable of moving a crowd in 2024.
The Band’s Energy and Musicianship
One of the most striking aspects of the show was the band’s tightness. Walbourne’s guitar work is a revelation; he balances aggression and melody with ease, complementing Hynde’s vocals without ever overpowering them. Chambers, still a powerhouse on drums, provides a foundation that is both steady and dynamic. Nick Wilkinson’s bass lines are deceptively simple but perfectly suited to the Pretenders’ sound, anchoring the songs with a subtle authority.
Chrissie Hynde herself is, as always, the star of the show. She moves with a controlled grace, sings with a raw emotional power, and commands the stage without ever feeling domineering. Her interaction with the audience is genuine and understated, a series of nods, winks, and smiles that make everyone feel seen.
Highlights and Standout Moments
Several moments stand out from this performance:
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“My City Was Gone” for its iconic bassline and the audience’s ecstatic singalong.
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“Private Life” for the intimate and raw vocal delivery.
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“Back on the Chain Gang” for the raucous, communal energy it brought.
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“I’ll Stand by You” for the emotional resonance and the feeling of closure it provided.
Beyond individual songs, the flow of the setlist was masterful. Mixing new material, deep cuts, and classics kept the audience engaged and allowed the band to flex their full range. The encores were perfectly paced, leaving the audience exhilarated but not exhausted.
The Audience Experience
Goodyear Theater, with its intimate design, allowed for an incredibly personal experience. You could hear every note, see every expression, and feel the energy bouncing between stage and audience. There were moments when the crowd was singing louder than the band, and moments when everyone was silent, captivated by Hynde’s storytelling. It’s rare to find that kind of connection in a modern concert, and the Pretenders achieved it effortlessly.
Closing Thoughts
The Pretenders at Goodyear Theater in July 2024 were nothing short of spectacular. Chrissie Hynde continues to prove that she is one of rock’s most compelling performers—her voice, her presence, and her songwriting remain vital. The band, tight and energetic, complements her perfectly, delivering a set that blends nostalgia with immediacy.
From start to finish, this was a concert that reminded fans why the Pretenders have endured for over four decades. Every note, every lyric, and every interaction with the audience felt purposeful. There was joy, there was grit, and there was connection—a combination that few bands can achieve, and even fewer can sustain.
By the final note of “I’ll Stand by You,” it was clear: the Pretenders aren’t just surviving—they are thriving. And anyone lucky enough to be at Goodyear Theater that night witnessed a performance that will linger in memory for a long time. This wasn’t just a concert. It was an affirmation of everything that makes rock and roll matter: heart, passion, and authenticity.
The Pretenders reminded everyone that they are as vital in 2024 as they were in 1979, and the fire on that stage at Goodyear Theater proved it.