The Pretenders
- English-American rock/new wave band formed in 1978
- Fronted by Chrissie Hynde (American singer/guitarist)
- Original lineup: Hynde, James Honeyman-Scott (guitar), Pete Farndon (bass), Martin Chambers (drums)
- Debut album Pretenders (1980) was a big hit
- Survived the 1982–83 deaths of Honeyman-Scott and Farndon; Hynde has been the constant member ever since
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (2005); still active
“Brass in Pocket”
Their breakthrough hit from the debut album. Released late 1979, it went to No. 1 in the UK (first new chart-topper of the 1980s) and No. 14 in the US.
Co-written by Hynde and Honeyman-Scott, the title uses British slang for “money.” The lyrics are about confidence and swagger. Hynde initially disliked the song and didn’t want it released as a single, but it became their signature track.