By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography
Greenville, South Carolina (March 28, 2018) – Legendary English band and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Pretenders, rolled into downtown Greenville, SC tonight for a stop on their current tour in support of their newest album, Alone. As show time drew near the crowds gathered outside of the Peace Center in anticipation. Walking through the crowd you could hear the chatter of fans as they reminisced of prior shows from yesteryears as a street performer played classic Pretenders songs on his accordion. Bringing along Lowlight as the support act, I was eager to get inside and see this show.
Award-winning (2016 Asbury Music Awards) band Lowlight is an Indie Folk Band hailing from Asbury Park, New Jersey. With a nod to hometown legend Bruce Springsteen, the band played songs off of their Born to Run EP. The band’s sound is one of their own, with an Americana, Folk, country mix, with a bit of an edge to it. Lead singer and guitarist Renee Maskin has a bluesy, soulful voice that catches your attention right away; backed by Derril Sellers (guitar), Colin Ryan (drums) Dana Sellers (keys), Rey Rivera (Bass) filling out the bands unique sound. Lowlight is a very dynamic band that enthralls the audience with stage presence and precise blending of musical prowess with intricate layers in their music. Renee made light of having actually lost her job to come out on this tour. With the crowd’s response and enjoyment of the Lowlight’s set – I would say it was a wise choice.
Having been a long-time Pretenders fan but never seeing a show, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I soon experienced something great. Kicking off the show with two new songs, the title track of the bands newest release “Alone” and “Gotta Wait“, it was clear the band still has that iconic sound that has attracted fans for many years. The crowd instantly rose to their feet with excitement.
Founding member Chrissie Hynde commanded the audience’s attention with a powerful vocal delivery throughout the night that never let up from the upbeat songs like “Don’t Get Me Wrong” and “Thumbelina“, to the more delicate softer “Hymn to Her“. With original member Martin Chambers driving the backbeat of the band on drums, the group was filled out by the rockabilly-looking James Walbourne on guitar, who was fantastic to watch with his energy, Carwyn Ellis on the keys and Nick Wilkinsonholding down the low end on the bass.
During the show, Chrissie noted how great it is to play a show with no cell phones in use. She stated that she had seen legends like Led Zeppelin, Brian Johnson and many more years ago without a phone and how great it was to hold the memories of watching the show with your eyes instead of through a phone screen. Chrissie said today’s generation is always too busy and thriving to be connected, so a show is a time to put away those things and enjoy the moment.
The night was easygoing and just full of joy from the fans and the band as a whole. Watching the Pretenders interaction with the crowd was amazing; just pure appreciation for everyone in attendance. After playing “Back on the Chain Gang” Chrissie expressed how awesome it was to watch the fans just really get into the songs. She noted a person up front saying, “there’s no more heartwarming feeling than to look in the crowd and see a….ummm…not so young woman playing air drums all night” and then proceeded to hand the lady one of Martin’s drumsticks. A night filled with hit after hit was capitalized with one of the group’s most notable songs “I’ll Stand By You“; the crowd singing every word in unison was something to take in. Giving a salute to one of the band’s influences, Bob Dylan, the Pretenders did an incredible cover of “Forever Young“.
As the band finished their 17-song set with “Middle of the Road“, the Pretenders took a bow and left the stage. The crowd, wanting more, refused to quit cheering until the band returned. Kicking off a 6-song encore with a “Death is Not Enough” from the new album and playing one of my favorites “Night in My Veins“.
As the show ended I lingered around the venue lobby watching the excitement on the faces of many fans; I’m sure I had a big grin on my face as well. To see these true legends of music in person was a remarkable experience that I didn’t think could get much better. As I walked out the door towards my car, singing songs in my head I noticed some activity as I passed by the band’s buses. To my surprise, I was able to meet Chrissie and Martin who had stopped to sign some Pretenders memorabilia for some eager fans. It was an awestruck moment to meet them both and have a few words with some great musical icons.
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
