John Niven interviews Chrissie Hynde about her book Reckless
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Published 2015-09-09
Wrapped up in the Kent State University riots and getting dangerously involved in the local biker and drug scenes, she escaped - to Mexico, Canada, Paris and finally London where she caught the embryonic punk scene just in time not only to witness it first-hand, but more importantly to seize the opportunity to form her own band, the Pretenders.
Iggy Pop, the Sex Pistols, the Clash, Vivienne & Malcolm, Ray Davies … on every page household names mingle with small town heroes as we shift from bedroom to biker HQ; from squat to practice room; from pub gig to Top Of The Pops – the long and crooked path to stardom, and for the Pretenders, ultimately, tragedy.
That Chrissie Hynde is alive to tell the tale is, by her own admission, something of a miracle. Throughout she is brutally honest, wryly humorous and always highly entertaining. She has written one of the most evocative and colourful music memoirs to be published in recent years.
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All Comments (21)
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She's the real deal and been a big, big fan since I started listening to her back in the 70's. So sensuous in her music.
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Chrissie is such an unpretentious, hard working force in music. As I recall it was only her on the radio in 1979 and I'm so impressed that she downplays what it took to get there. The natural born quitter had persistance that served all of us well.
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One of the better, more insightful Chrissie interviews I've ever seen. One key thing is evident here. Ask real, intelligent questions, get a straight answer.
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Picked up reckless and could not put it down till the end. I lived 10 miles fom Akron during 70s -80s. The whole book I felt I was there with her. It was so real that I had so many similar experiences. I recommend especially if you lived through those times.
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One of the Greats from a Classic time in British Music. Sad to see the state of things today, They had the Look - The Songs - James Honeyman Scott a huge loss as was Pete. Great to see her Rockin On !!!
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She is her own person . Everybody should be as strong.
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what a humbling person. really enjoyed her honesty ... and the book is great!
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I saw the Pretenders in 83 & again in 84 and both times I was awestruck by how much better her voice sounded live than on the recording. I didn't know that was possible until those shows.
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I enjoyed the book thoroughly! YES ! Chrissie, you are a writer and a damn good one. I've started many a book and put it down after the first couple of pages. But your writing style kept me enthralled and I couldn't put it down ! Thanks for your book .
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How is it I have never seen a video of her talking when I've been a fan for 44 years??!! Her voice is deeper than I thought. I too have a wonderlust spirit and I'm in my 60s!!!
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A genuinely beatiful human being that has seen the ugly cruelty of the world but rose above it to let her talent shine
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Crissie is a very honest human being, great singer, composer.
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One of the best most positive attitudes ever! Inspirational!
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Even when I disagree with her, I really like the forthright way Chrissie Hynde speaks. I never get any inkling that she's being deceptive or is holding back. She is one of the most frank persons that I've ever seen in my life, and she's smart about a lot of things.
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Saw her gig at the Hammersmith Odeon 2009,May ... she and the band kicked serious ass. Awesome live show. She got emotional a few times during the 2.5 hour set , the scar tissue of her life clearly connecting with certain songs. She and the band were superb. Martin Chambers still retaining his zest and the young axe men on bass and guitar were well cool. A real gem of a night and an honour to see her and the band ... ALL those hits ! That gig will live forever in the memory...and she is still one sexy lady.
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About 2/3rds of the way through her book & finding it a fascinating read. She certainly paid her dues before finally fulfilling her dream of playing in a band and making a success of it. Very honest lady, who has an interesting, witty, entertaining & illustrative style of writing
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She is great. I'm from the UK and looking back with fondness when you consider the talent in the 1970's both in the USA & UK. Chrisse is much loved in London, she is part of the furniture :)
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I still remember meeting Chrissie with a group of friends in Newport, 1977. What a wonderful woman. So friendly. We invited the band to a neighbouring nightclub after the gig for a drink and a dance. Respect.
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She Rocks
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CHRISSIE and her band, THE PRETENDERS, With the magic music, in introduction a film " Tunnel " and a rôle for a mythic actor, Helmut Berger
