The Pretenders: With Friends

The Pretenders: With Friends is a jubilant event of music and camaraderie, featuring the legendary band 'The Pretenders' in an unforgettable collaborative concert. The film showcases the band's enduring charm and their timeless music in a new light, teaming up with an array of talented musicians for an electric and captivating performance. Chrissie Hynde, the heart and soul of the Pretenders, headlined this event along with the group's classic members Martin Chambers and Adam Seymour, as well as their recent addition, Nick Wilkinson.

The Pretenders set the tone with their attitude-drenched, rock'n'roll hits, proving that they still possess the raw energy that has propelled them throughout their illustrious career. Chrissie Hynde, the band's leader, encapsulates the spirit of the concert with her distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence. She remains as captivating as ever, effortlessly navigating through the Pretenders' extensive catalogue with passion and finesse.

Joining the Pretenders on stage are an array of guest artists, each bringing their unique flavors to the band's storied songs. This concert film showcases collaborations with modern alt-rock giant Incubus, punk icon Iggy Pop, rock royalty Kings of Leon, and indie darling Shirley Manson. These collaborations bring an interesting dimension to the Pretenders' legacy, introducing a vibrant cross-generational enthusiasm into the mix.

Incubus’ serpentine melodies and unique styles of rock blending beautifully with the Pretenders' establish harmonies, breathes new life into some of their classic pieces. Iggy Pop, the godfather of punk, lends his signature raw edge and rebellion to the performance, adding an electrifying punk flavor to the evening. Kings of Leon contribute their southern rock sound, injecting a folksy American heartland vibe that perfectly complements the rugged charm of the Pretenders. Lastly, Shirley Manson lends her hauntingly beautiful voice and captivating energy, bringing an alternate rock 'girl power' vibe to the performance.

The collaborations are not limited merely to performances of Pretenders' celebrated discography, but also encompass renditions of the guest artists' signature songs too. This allows the band to explore a different musical landscape, showing their versatility and talent to adapt to unexpected nuances.

The Pretenders: With Friends doesn’t stop at the music. Between the electrifying performance, the film features pages from the band’s journey, flashbacks to remember their original bassist Pete Farndon and guitarist James Honeyman-Scott who was lost untimely. There are also backstage interviews offering a glimpse into the dynamics between the band and guest artists. It helps fans to better understand the mindset and creative process behind these one-of-a-kind collaborative performances.

The musical performances and insightful behind-the-scenes footage blend seamlessly in this concert film, creating a well-rounded viewing experience. The audience is taken on a journey through the band's celebrated history, all while being privy to an exciting new chapter in their career. The Pretenders: With Friends pays tribute to the band's impact on music history, their continued relevancy in the modern music scene, and honors their uncanny knack to attract and collaborate with talented musicians from all walks of life.

The film is not just a concert but an event, a musical smorgasbord that goes beyond the realms of a typical concert film. Its appeal stretches beyond merely die-hard fans of the band: music lovers of all kinds can appreciate the exceptional performances, unique collaborations, and captivating narratives that drive the film. The Pretenders: With Friends works not just as an excellent showcase for the band's ability but also as a testament to their impact and influence over the multiple generations of music.