Original band (1978–1982)
The band's first single, a cover of The Kinks song "Stop Your
Sobbing", produced by Nick Lowe, was released in January 1979 and
gained critical attention. It was followed in June with "Kid" and
then in November the band got to #1 in the UK with "Brass in Pocket"
which was also successful in the US reaching #14 on the Billboard
Hot 100.[1]
The Pretenders (original line-up), Dominion Theatre, London,
December 1981
The debut album Pretenders was released during January 1980, and
was a success in both the United Kingdom and the United States,
both critically and commercially.Pretenders was subsequently named
one of the best albums of all time by VH1 (#52) and Rolling Stone
(#155). The band played at the Heatwave festival during August 1980
near Toronto.
During March 1981 the EP Extended Play was released, containing
the UK and US success "Message of Love" and "Talk of the Town" and
a live version of "Precious," recorded in Central Park.
The second full-length album, Pretenders II, was released during
August 1981. Pretenders II included the Extended Play singles, the
MTV video success, "Day After Day," and popular album-radio tracks
"The Adultress," "Birds of Paradise," and "The English Roses".
Farndon was fired 14 June 1982 by Hynde. Two days later, on 16
June 1982, James Honeyman-Scott died of heart failure as a result
of intolerance for cocaine. Farndon was in the midst of forming a
new band with former Clash drummer Topper Headon (who coincidently,
was battling heroin addiction and left the band, unable to cope),
when he was found dead on 14 April 1983 by his American wife,
Conover. After taking heroin and passing out, Farndon drowned in
his bathtub, leaving the Pretenders with two living
members.
“Permission for placement granted by Martin Morse, Park
Service Specialist. Please remember to pull all four wheels off the
road when parking, Do not block any gates or trail heads and follow
posted speed limits.”
