Pop Break Live: The Pretenders US Tour 2024 at The Fillmore Philadelphia on Sunday July 14, 2024
Legendary ’80s band The Pretenders, lead by iconic rock ‘n’ roll bad-ass Chrissie Hynde played the Fillmore in Philadelphia on July 14th.
This was just the second stop on their highly-anticipated U.S tour which runs thru August 4th. It’s been almost 44 years since their career-making game changing self-titled debut arrived in the U.S. Hynde is still revered as one of the best front women of all-time, so it’s not surprising that the band was asked to perform some big arena shows with the Foo Fighters in August — something did last year with Guns ‘N Roses. There is no doubt that Hynde has influenced generations of female artist’s along the way.
Hynde, who is 72, strutted out on stage looking incredibly fit in her jeans, thigh high black boots and a cool Wheels and Dollbaby branded t-shirt. The saying that music keeps you young is so true! The band started off the night off with “Losing My Sense of Taste” and “A Love”, two great songs off their off their critically acclaimed album Relentless, released last year. The band captivated the audience for two hours with a carrier spanning 25 song setlist which included hits, fan favorites and deep cuts from some of their 12 studio albums.
Hynde’s backing band were incredible throughout the entire night. The showmanship between them and Hynde was fun to watch. There were a few blistering guitar solos and jams that just were jaw dropping. They really shone on the “Private Life,” “Time Avenger,” “Boots of Chinese Plastic” and the rockin’ “Don’t Cut Your Hair.” The audience really showed them the love on those. Hynde’s powerful vocals were excellent during the entire set but were exceptionally stunning on “I Think About You Daily” and “You Can’t Hurt a Fool.”
The band treated the audience to two encores that included “Stop Your Sobbing,” “Back on the Chain Gang,” “Let the Sun In” and “Mystery Achievement.” This was such an appreciative audience who danced and sang their hearts out during the night. After the encore Hynde brought out a few pink boxes which were filled with large wrapped cookies that had the Pretenders insignia on them. She happily threw them to the fans before leaving the stage. She had mentioned a few times during the show that she loved Philadelphia and it was one of her favorite cities to play. From the encore reaction from the crowd, the feeling was definitely mutual.
