They opened their set with “Alone,” and they immediately broke into the upbeat “Gotta Wait.” “It’s a pleasure to be back New York,” front-woman Chrissie Hynde said.
It was followed by “Message of Love,” where she introduced Martin Chambers as “the world’s greatest drummer,” and rightfully so. They continued to “Private Life” and “Hymn to Her,” the latter of which she dedicated to Stevie Nicks. “That was for Stevie. This is the last night of our North American tour,” Hynde said.
After “Talk of the Town,” Hynde admitted that the light was blinding her, and during “Back on the Chain Gang,” she noted that all the camera in the audience were “fucking” her up. “It’s ruing it for me,” she said, referring to the camera phones. “You guys buy the tickets so I guess it is your privilege. I guess I’m old-fashioned,” she added.
They performed “Stop Your Sobbing” and her signature song, “I’ll Stand By You,” showcasing her rich, powerful and husky voice. “Take my fucking picture already,” she told several fans mid-way through the song. She then apologized for being “neurotic” and for eating too much prior to the show.
“I wanna dance with you,” she said, and they went on to sing the up-tempo “Don’t Get Me Wrong.” She described camera phones as being in an “abusive relationship,” and she was trying as hard as she could.
“Are you ready for some rock and roll?” she asked, and continued with “My City Was Gone” and “Mystery Achievement,” which featured some killer electric guitar solos by Hynde, James Walbourne on guitar and Nick Wilkinson on bass.
After “Middle of the Road,” she held her guitar up in the air, and it garnered them a standing ovation. “Thank you New York,” she said. She closed with another fan-favorite “Brass in Pocket,” and she was handed a bouquet of flowers as she was leaving the stage.
The Verdict
Overall, Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders were able to put on a solid rock show at the new Nassau Coliseum. Hynde’s voice was timeless, compelling and sexy as always. She commanded respect and took a firm stance against being recorded on camera phones while performing live. Their opening set for Stevie Nicks garnered an A rating.
