Written and Photographed by: Lisa Melograno

On Sunday, July 14th, The Pretenders, with Chrissie Hynde leading on vocals and guitar, Kris Sonne on drums, Dave Page rocking the bass, and James Walbourne completing the lineup on guitar, captivated a sold-out crowd at Philadelphia’s historic Fillmore. The venue’s intimate and lively vibe, steeped in rich history, contributed to the evening’s enchantment. Fans, primarily aged forty and older, turned up in jeans and a variety of ’80s band t-shirts, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that transported attendees back to the golden age of rock.

The Pretenders’ exhilarating performance at The Fillmore was a masterclass in stage presence and raw musical talent. The intimate setting of the venue allowed fans to fully immerse themselves in the band’s captivating sound as they delivered hit after hit with palpable passion and energy. Their chemistry on stage was undeniable, and as the show unfolded, it became clear that The Pretenders’ status as rock legends was as solid as ever, leaving an indelible impression on the hearts of those lucky enough to witness their unforgettable performance at the Fillmore.

From the electrifying first note to the final round of applause, the band’s dynamic performance captivated the audience. Chrissie Hynde’s iconic voice, with her undeniable stage presence, was phenomenally complemented by James Walbourne‘s electrifying guitar riffs, Dave Page’s rich, pulsating bass lines, and the thunderous beats from Kris Sonne on the drums. The synergy of their skilled talent reaffirmed their legendary status in the world of rock, proving that they remain as vibrant and powerful as ever.

Kicking off the night with “Losing My Sense of Taste,” the band immediately showcased their iconic sound and captivating stage presence. As they transitioned seamlessly into “A Love,” the crowd was treated to a powerful testament to The Pretenders’ unique sound and enduring chemistry. The atmosphere buzzed with increasing energy during the performances of “Turf Accountant” and “Hate for Sale,” setting the stage for a vibrant sing-along from the audience to the timeless classics “Kid” and “Precious.”

The Pretenders’ setlist served as a sonic journey through their storied career, with each song evoking a wave of nostalgia that created an emotional resonance throughout the audience. The performance of “The Buzz” offered a nuanced, mellow vibe, engaging the audience with its intricate melodies, while “My City Was Gone” prompted a moment of reflection on the band’s enduring legacy and their contributions to music.

Chrissie’s rapport with the audience added a personal touch to the evening, as she unveiled a pink box and tossed a gift to the crowd after concluding their set. This simple gesture exemplified the connection between The Pretenders and their fans, as Chrissie’s warmth and charisma radiated throughout the venue. The fans, not willing to let the night end, chanted for an encore, and The Pretenders obliged.

The concert reached a thrilling climax with a two-part encore that showcased The Pretenders at their absolute best. The first encore ignited with the raw emotional appeal of “Stop Your Sobbing,” followed by the melodic resonance of “Back on the Chain Gang,” and then seamlessly transitioned into “Let the Sun Come In,” from their new album “Relentless,” crafting a blend of classic sounds and vibrant melodies that resonated with the audience. This set the perfect stage for the second encore, amplifying the anticipation for what was to come.

As anticipation built, The Pretenders returned to the stage for their second encore, unleashing “Mystery Achievement” in a powerhouse performance that solidified the night as unforgettable. This final song, with its driving beat and compelling rhythm, encapsulated the band’s dynamic range and musical prowess, leaving the audience in awe. The strategic arrangement of these encores, from the emotive beginning to the robust conclusion, highlighted The Pretenders’ mastery in creating a dynamic musical journey, providing a performance that was rich in depth and profoundly gratifying.

As I turned to leave for the night, I spotted a group of ardent fans approaching the stage, seeking keepsakes from the stagehands. Much like The Pretenders concerts of the ’80s that I had attended, a stagehand with a broad smile began distributing setlists and guitar picks to the fastest hands reaching forward. In that instant, the crowd, many of whom were of middle age and beyond, momentarily recaptured the exuberance of their teenage selves, alight with youth and excitement.

The strong bond They share with their fans ensures every performance is as captivating as their debut, fortifying their perpetual mark on the rock and roll genre. Their concerts stand as a vivid showcase of their immense talent and their unbreakable connection with the audience, affirming that their passion and energy remain as vibrant and profound as ever. The Pretenders continue to serve as a reminder of the power of live music, proving that rock and roll will always thrive and connect people through shared experiences and unforgettable performances.

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Written & Photographed by : Killian O’Neil

It’s a very rare occasion when I am in North Philadelphia and actually feel safe; this last Saturday was one of those times. As my Uber pulled up to The Met Theatre, I was greeted by a hand full of security guards, accompanied by a wall of walk-through metal detectors. The entrance of The Met was sectioned off with chain link fences that had fake grass woven throughout the openings. It turned out to be a pop-up beer garden, and a DJ was spinning Emo/EDM remixes. Everyone either had a drink in hand or was chatting amongst themselves, bopping around. Despite the heatwave that was ripping through the city, the excitement of the night seemed to trump the thermostat reading 100 degrees.

Once I entered the venue, it was wall-to-wall with people every which way. I had about 10 minutes to kill before the night began, so I did what anyone would do, and I went to stand in line for merchandise. The line was wrapped around the staircase, overflowing onto the second floor of the venue. I overheard the couple behind me getting frantic because they were worried they’d miss Something Corporate because the line was “so long.” It really shouldn’t come as a shock, seeing as it’s been nearly 14 years since they went on tour. What makes it even wilder is that this was the first time in 20 years that all five of the original members were on the road together. We were definitely in store for a very special night. I myself have been waiting for this moment patiently since I was 14. A little longer wasn’t going to make a difference.

Something Corporate came on right after nine p.m., following their opener, Days Away, who had one hell of a set. Keeping the theme of indie rock for the evening, they got the crowd roaring to go and singing along to every song they played. It was my first time seeing them, but it was quite clear they have been doing this for a very long time. I was only able to catch the end of their set, but what I did catch was profound. Right before they played their last song, the lead singer said, “It’s kind of beautiful that you can write a piece of something and give it to the world,” and immediately after, everyone went crazy.

Once Days Away ended, it was finally time for something corporate. The music cut and the lights dimmed, and next thing you know, Andrew McMahon is skipping out onto the stage. He was dressed in a white button-down, black suspenders, and black dress pants, which completely suited the evening that was in store. The band immediately went into the song “Straw Dog” without anybody in the audience missing a beat with the lyrics.

Continuing the high energy of the night, they bang out “I Want to Save You” and “She Paints Me Blue,” with a mix of nostalgia and memories penetrating the air. There wasn’t a single person who wasn’t singing along with their eyes closed, getting transported to their formative years. There were 21 songs played that night, and the band left little time for pauses and transitions.

They played every hit, including “Punk Rock Princess.” During this song, Andrew went and grabbed his daughter, bringing her out on stage. They both sang it together and danced around the stage, e

ating up every moment. Ending that song on a strong note, Andrew jumped into the crowd and ran around singing to finish it off. Following it was “I Woke Up in A Car,” and that is when I believe I lost my voice. The last time I sang along this much, it was at Taylor Swift! The lights cut and all filed off.

A few moments later, after echos of “one more song” chants and screaming from the crowd, Andrew walks out on stage, walks to his piano, and takes a seat. At this point, everyone was losing it because there was still one song in particular that had yet to be played. The first key was hit, and the crowd started to sing in unison, “Konstantine.” It’s a seven-minute beautiful song, mainly on the piano, and seeing it live was out of this world. The emotions were swirling for everyone that was in the crowd that night. I swear I saw a girl crying in front of me. The second-to-last song that evening was a throwback of all throwbacks to close out the night, for real this time. It was none other than “If You See Jordan.”.

The synergy I saw that night on the stage between the bands is something that you don’t see often. It is quite clear that their brotherhood has weathered the seasons of life together. Which has transferred beautifully to the stage. Every single one of the members of Something Corporate was having the time of their life, and you could tell that. Everyone was feeling something on some level that night. In the middle of the evening, Andrew said to the crowd, “You can’t manufacture magic; you just have to try to put yourself on the path, and if goddamn, tonight wasn’t magic.” That’s exactly what this night was to not only them but to everyone in attendance.

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