And today.... WOW!

There i was working away in my production office... when suddenly the whole building started to shake. With the noise as well it had all the symptoms of a long train going by, so like a good British tourist I thought this sounds like a BIG one and I'll go and count the number of carriages or goods wagons the train is pulling... after all I have in the past counted beyond a hundred... and it is pretty amazing to see and imagine such a weight being dragged along...

So out of my chair I got and prepared myself to start counting fingers and toes... plus hopefully a lot more. BUT WOW... when I got out side I realised what all the racket was. It was a train... with goods wagons FULL of coal... but the heavy scraping noise was it tipped half way up grinding it's way across the edge of a metal bridge with already 4-5 other carriages tipped over... and the train driver obviously unaware that he was pulling a derailed train and was still moving forward... until finally the now last wagon (because it had been dragged clear of the last wagons after they tipped up and crashed into the bridge) finally went virtually right over spilling it's load all over the adjacent car park on the other side of the street.

AMAZING! Thank fully no one hurt.

WIFF.

News report

A few things I remember about the past couple of weeks:

1. Eric, jokingly, stumbling out of a cab and being refused entry to a certain drinking establishment in Toronto (his refusal boiled down to both doorman being on the slower, humorless side of things)

2. The ongoing saga of Chrissie's American phone not being able to receive texts from England made worse by the keypad on her English phone not working properly. (Fuck!!!. TIM!!!!!!!!!!!!)

3. Discovering that Gail Colson (Pretenders manager) narrowly avoided adopting the married name -Gail Munt- when she was younger. How she wishes she had never told us that.

4. Our tour manager, Tim (a.k.a Tommy Biscuits) finding a drunk man sleeping it off outside his hotel room door and having to call security.

5. The ongoing search for a tennis court so Eric and I can continue our Murray/Federer type battle (we have played each other twice in Blighty - I won both times but he's not bad for an old boy)

6. Nick's hair foaming up when it rains because he puts soap in it.

7. Martin being mistaken for Ted Nugent outside The London Hotel, New York.

8. Buying a wiffle stick and ball in Hampton Beach.

9. Discovering that in ear monitoring isn't all bad and means that sometimes you don't have to sound check (if I had been told this before I would have used them a long time ago)

---update---
This is not true!!! DO NOT attempt gig without a soundcheck.

9. Finding out there is NO way of watching the FOOTBALL (no, not soccer, FOOTBALL!!) on the bus after I carefully went through the Arsenal fixture list to determine where we will be and what time the matches come on. I now have to resort to finding British pubs in places like Phoenix. This gets tedious after a while.

10. Arsenal winning 1-6 at Goodison Park on the first day of the season after everyone said we had no chance. Bring on Celtic...

11. Being asked to write a blog every ten minutes

The truth is I dislike flying with a passion. So, after our Production rehearsals & a couple of warm-up shows north of Toronto, we had to fly Toronto/Boston on our day off Thurs. 6th. Easy day one would have thought... but no. What ensued was a trial for us all and a tortuous event for me. Firstly we had to leave one of our party behind because the flight was oversold, Tim our trusty tour manager volunteered to catch the next flight at 1.30 pm. So at 11.30 or so we boarded an aircraft that was a little larger than an aluminium cigar tube. In we squashed and up we went into the great blue yonder where skill and daring , hopefully , would once again overcome fear and ignorance . My inner ear always has an acute awareness of our attitude to the earth , so any movement of this flying cigar canister is duly noted by my inner ear , not to mention my Hippo Campus !

I first noticed we had levelled off at far too low an altitude ( approx. 5000 ft.) to make our departure from Toronto airspace. We were also going in circles ! At the same time , mainly because of the minimal size of the cigar tube we were in , we were being buffeted by the winds , I call it DISTURBULENCE . I hold on tight to my seat belt with my sweaty hand in a vain attempt to feel more secure. I thought an hour or so of this and we will be in Boston full of elation after another gauntlet run.

Then the announcement from the Captain as we continued to spiral at 5000 ft. " Hello ladies and gentlemen , I'm afraid we are having trouble pressurizing the aircraft so I'm afraid ( he's afraid again , that 2 afraids and a trouble ! ) we will have to return to Toronto". Oh great , I go through all this disturbulence for nothing... There was more to follow ; Captain Over again "in order to land safely ( oh great !) we have to burn off 6000lbs of fuel before we attempt a landing " (attempt a landing ! ) In order to burn off the fuel quickly the genius in the cockpit applies air brakes and power at 80 percent . Now we really are bouncing around like a crisp packet doing 250 knots ! My hands are holding on tight as I deliberate the benefits of rail travel with our manager Gail who is in the seat in front of me. We arrive back at the terminal ( why is it called a Terminal for gods sake !) We make an average landing back on terra firma 35 minutes later and

Im feeling worn out and grey with prospect of having to do it all over again ! I'm trying to maintain an even strain as we have to get our bags, exit , fill in all the forms again . go through security and wait for hours and hours at the airport before we attempt the whole thing over again. At this point Tim is already in Boston sorting out the Paul McCartney tickets for the show in Boston tonight. Luckily with some Dutch courage in my system we safely arrive in Boston 12 hrs after we set off fro Toronto .... I went to the Ritz Carlton Hotel and drank a large Cognac and copious amounts of White wine with a Caesar salad. What a great day off. Too drained to see Macca and the band I retired exhausted.

Its now Sat. August 8th , we are leaving Boston on our Shiny Silver Machine Tour Bus that arrived moments ago. Last night we played the Chevrolet theatre in Wallingford CT. where met up with my friend Ian Hunter and his wife Trudi. Ian gave me a copy of his new album 'Man Overboard' and the evening went well. A few gin and tonics and back to Boston. We are now arriving at Hampton Beach for tonights first show with both Cat Power & Juliette Lewis on the bill. My next flight is at the end of the tour , thank god . Will try and Blog you again soon . Mucho , Martin .. MDC x

M.D.C.

In 2002, Gary apparently got into US military computers to search for the existence of UFOs and was subsequently charged by US authorities, who wish to extradite him for trial there.

Under the UK / US Extradition Treaty the US does not have to provide any proof -- something that doesn't apply to US citizens. Therefore, regardless of the possible crime, Gary has been cited as an example of a counter-terrorism law being used against someone who isn't a terrorist. In addition, Gary has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of Autism) by eminent psychologist Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, who has said that Gary poses 'no harm to society', and there are strong fears that Gary's fragile personality would not survive US incarceration.

The single is a plea to US President Barack Obama to review Gary's case, and features lyrics rewritten by Gary's mother, Janis Sharp, to reflect Gary's circumstance. It is available as a download with an optional payment from the Free Gary McKinnon website (http://www.freegarymckinnon.co.uk).

Gary's legal team have now spent seven years fighting extradition, and the latest legal position is that, although two Judicial Reviews have just been announced as not supporting Gary, the team have 28 days to apply for a further appeal. An appeal would probably be heard in September, after which, if necessary, the legal team would take the fight

PARIS! Hung out with the great Marie France my favorite French singer ( Vannessa Paradis the other one wonder when shes making another film? Girl on a bridge genius!) We went together to the sound check, walking through the streets of Montmartre glorious, although melting in the heat. Guess what? guys waiting for me to sign some photos. And Marie said oh, go on! Well, so much for that Vow. Now I feel extra bad about the ones in Flyberg. Sorry Im a Shit!!! Send me the bloody things and Ill sign them and send em back and pay the postage. Just you three though.

J. P. Jones ( and his mate Patrick on guitar) opened for us. J . P. is a great young Welsh singer/songwriter ( who I, by the way, have been writing some songs with.) They went down a treat. Then our show, and something most odd happened - I almost collapsed on stage! I over heated ( It was really hotter than hell) wow never before! Had to cut the set short and drop my guitar to the floor as it suddenly was too heavy to carry . Of-course, the French love drama so got away with it. Layed on my back in the parking lot for a while after the show to cool off. Like an old dog. God, I love Paris!

Oh yeah, guess who were sharing a bill with for our summer shows in the U S A? Only Cat Power and Juliette Lewis! Hey dont blow us off stage girls! Pretty great line up huh? You know we always try to look after you. ( remember Almighty Senators, American Bang, J.P. Jones?) All part of the service!

Yours, as always, Chrissie

Went to Neil's hotel after for a drink (tea) and hang with the Gods. Spooner Oldham was staying there with (not playing with Neil this time) his wife Karen. James was so excited to meet him was like a 12 year old kid. Pegi was as rocked as we were by the awsomeness of the show. Neil dragged her off time for bed. She's a lucky dog. But then so's he!

Yes, yes, I know, this is no longer a blog, rather more like an essey My `Summer Holiday by Christine Hynde The truth is, I just dont know how to get from word on this computer to e-mail , so I havent been able to send it to the web site. Oh I am a sad fuck arent I?

ALL SPOILED HOWEVER by the pack of e bay-ers who had chased us down like dogs all the way from hotel to sound check and back to hotel to gig. (And as I tried to sign the welcomed ticket stubs of some fans who had actually come to see the show, politely waiting outside the stage door, another minger asked to take a private after show portrait of me- my make up all smeared down my face and hair all sad too. Now, why would I want that? When I said No thanks, he proceeded to snap away furiously like a photo journalist after a car bombing.) Then when I dodged the e bay WANKERS who had sped on ahead and were now lurking in the hotel lobby (Id already signed at least a dozen of their shitty photos of myself earlier ), I was pursued by a volley of Arrogant! Arrogant! - Shes arrogant! in authoritive German accents (naturally) which echoed down the corridor, turning the heads of 20 salespeople who were staying in the hotel for a conference and on their way to the bar , now all staring at ME like I was a total shit! Thought I could hear hob nailed boots closing in too.

Finally got back to my room feeling like the hare that had barely escaped. And there, in the quiet seclusion of my room, I had an epiphany. I thought about all the meals and public outings and private events and whatnot over the years that had been sullied and ruined by aggressive autograph hounds. And I thought , you know, time to put an end to it once and for all. And I resolved on that night , the 22 of June 2009, never ever to sign another autograph. Whew! What a feeling of relief came over me! Like quitting drugs or drink.

And the other thing no more meet and greets after the shows. Sorry, we tried but it just doesnt work. The winners come backstage, all jumped up and excited, us sitting there, exhausted, by candlelight, nothing to say, like a gaggle of stilled vampires. They leave, no doupt thinking what a load of arse~holes!. Well, we cant have that, can we?

Oh, I suppose I should also mention that I went to a basketball game with my sister in law last time I was in Ohio. O-k? There, Ive come clean. Yeah, yeah, I know how many times I told you I hate sports. LeBron James. Local Akron boy makes good. What a very nice example of human excellence! It was awesome!! Tee hee hee. Oh, and saw that new Mike Tyson documentary on a plane. God, I love that man.

The other shocking news Oh I didnt mention it yet did I - No more drinking! No, all done, finished, kaput fin. And no, Im not going to divulge what the rock bottom spectacular was that perpertrated this decision. Suffice it to say it was pretty disgusting.

Then we were in Oslo for another festival- Norwegian Wood. Went on way too early, families looking around, perturbed, shooting us annoyed looks muttering Can you keep it down were trying to have a picnic here! Actually, we played great to a few who did really appreiciate it. Met some awesome animal rights people who apologised for their national policy of whale killing. I assured them that Norwegians are no different to the rest of the worlds meat eaters. ( Look for their link somewhere on this website.)

Then Bergen for our own show in a great little club, Ole Bul Scene. We love those clubs so much. Great audience in Bergen. We (the band) got talking in the dressing room after the sound check and someone said - What if all gigs were like this and there was no such thing as arena gigs, or stadium gigs, and that every band in the world played in these intimate clubs with no big light shows or spectacular props and what not just bands playing music. And we all thought about that for a minute.

Great show if I do say so myself. Well, you cant go wrong in a club with the audience right up your snout unless youre a total fraud. James needed to get crazy after those short afternoon festival sets. Actually, I like to see him getting wound up and edgy after a tepid response from a reluctant gathering of 12 people and a dog, knowing an explosive performance is just around the corner. Nick, my punk bass saviour, stocked up on those Tyrkisk Peber boiled sweets - liquoirice with ammonia centers. A band favorite. Weve made every member of the crew suck one ( no DONT bite it!) just to see their reaction when they get to the surprise happy ending. Ive also been devouring bags full of Werthers Originals I got in an airport. (Yes, I know they arent vegan, but come on! Im only human.) Eric, I am delighted to say, as predicted, is enjoying coming centre stage in Watching the Clothes our little tribute number to the great and never forgotten ZZTop. He broods for two minutes when I tell him he has to play maracas or come forward, but anyone can see he loves it! Show off! And Martin Dale Chambers just gets better and better. I really have no complaints. Which is in itself a complaint.

Speaking of hogwash this swine flu caper was on the cards. We told you that. Smithfield you have a lot to answer for! (see Pig Business link for more details) But no point in passing the buck. The meat eaters, as always, have the blood on their hands. Mind you, I myself have been such a pain in the ass about it all these years I probably deserve a good dose. Still, I repeat IF YOU KILL THEM, THEY WILL KILL YOU.

The gig in Arhus was, if I do say so myself Magic! Oh, if they could always be like that! James Hood ( Mood swings remember? And played drums on Ill Stand by You) was in the audience with his Danish wife B-Ella. He met her in the Pink Dot on Sunset strip. What a Result!!! Im going to start hanging out at the Pink Dot when Im in L A.

I stole one of American Bangs lines on stage and it worked a treat. God, we miss those guys!! Ill try not to do it again as it is out and out plagerism. Well, I use some of Lady Bunnys gags too and dont credit her. You cant really in the middle of a set audience in stiches and youre going excuse me, just so you know, that wasnt mine , that was a friend of mine who .

Had a lovely conversation with Pegi Young, Neils wife, who sings back up vocals for him. ( good gig on TWO counts NO FAKE!) We shot the breeze in the pouring rain back stage and caught up on girl stuff something neither of us get to do much on tour. She used to be a waitress too. Seems like us rock chicks all have that in common. Rather like all serial killers tortured animals in their youth.

The guys got pissed ( that means a little too drunk in English, English) and watched Neil from the side of the stage. (me too but I wasnt pissed) .. Well, theres simply nothing quite like seeing Neil, feeling Neil, hearing Neil and being in the Neil experience at such close range. I imagine a little like watching Jesus drag the cross up that last hill.

What, youre surprised ? You imagined me waking up next to my gorgeous lover in our palatial apartment overlooking the Thames (or the Y bridge if we were in Akron), making a pot of coffee, sitting out on the balcony in the morning sun saying Baby, you were magnificent! Ha! Sorry folks. No, we, the worlds appointed songwriters, sit alone in a pile of notebooks and overflowing ashtrays with the television tuned into Two and a Half Men on mute all night. Crying. And wake up at 6, in a chair, stiff neck, saying what the fuck?

Helsinki... Thats in Finland, for you yanks who arent sure. And F. Y. I. a few of you are of Finnish descent! Were you of the grey eyed and platinum blond hair as a kid persuasion? you can recognize them anywhere the children of the damned looking ones with names like Krista or Alvar. Just a thought what would it be like to strike up a conversation with Eric Heywood, if I was sat on a plane next to him and didnt already know him? Bearing in mind my something just short of a phobia about anyone striking up a conversation with ME on a plane, he would have to start ;

EH  On business? 

CH  Oh, just tourism really. 

EH  Been to Bergen before? 

CH  uh, not really 

EH  Family in Norway? 

CH  I shouldnt think so

EH  Gum?

CH  No, thank you
 
Eh  What did you think of Oslo?

CH  very nice

EH  so, what do you do?

CH  Oh Im a divorcee  just travel around 
    on my alimony   money

Silence for two minutes
 
EH  yes well, Im a musician - pedal steel 
    guitar player.  

Stay tuned here for the next entry...

A note from Chrissie Hynde to John Cerna, winner of the Pretenders PETA Video Contest:

Hey John,

Congrats for being our choice. I love a man who is willing to drag an armchair behind him whilst dressed as a rabbit. And I loved your sensitive depiction of what P E T A is about and why we do what we do. Look forward to meeting up in L A.

We had a blast watching all the entrys. At least one guitar player I know is keen to hook up with the Vegan Goddess. I am thinking about learning to sing underwater. Glad to see some other broads my age are playing toy guitars and looking rough. Loved revisiting the English tube system for three minutes - felt right at home. Sorry to see that anyone is compelled to dress like me - always a fashion faux pas but made me laugh. Loved seeing my voice coming out of the mouth of a man - which probably is how it should have been in the first place. All in all it cheered me up to see so many takes and interpretations of the meaning of "Boots of Chinese Plastic", but mostly glad to see so much support for the pride of my generation, The People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Thank you all and I hope we get to meet up somewhere down the road .

Until then, Yours as always, Chrissie

A note from Chrissie Hynde

Hi, Chrissie here,

Yes, imagine me sitting here in my mismatching pajamas, typing skills only marginally better than those of my guitar playing - cannot type unless I'm sitting crosslegged and try that on one of these bouncy swivel chairs they put in hotels - I curse all those who made these chairs popular.

Had to get James up out of bed to ( oh, stop it - he's in another room) figure out why my computer ( yeah, have a good laugh) dumped the last hour of my life and while he was at it move an armchair over - all the chords and wires twisted as I had tried to do this sitting on the bed and then the floor but he reckoned thats why the bloody thing overheated in the first place and of course the arm chair far too low so had to pull the sofa cushions off to bolster me up on what feels like some kind of acid bummer marshmallow. The room looks like an out of control joy rider crashed into it - staff will no doubt think I was 'partying' hard. Right, if I have to stay in alone one more night watching 'Step Brothers'........

Gail already called to 'advise' me not to smoke. I put that one out straight away.

Cleveland was a nightmare. I looked over to see Eric breaking into a full blown fever, streaming perspiration, but of course he could get away with it sitting there playing his peddle steel guitar, and I thought to myself ' Maybe THAT'S why he chose to play peddle steel.' - About as good a theory as I've come up with so far.

Meanwhile, Muggins here was reaching for notes that have served her trustily for 30 years but were now ignoring her like an English shop assistant.

Why Cleveland ??? Why couldn't it be Oslo or Hong Kong? Not Cleveland where it all started - all those shows I dutifully witnessed right here in the hallowed place that would one day go on to inform my entire future. All night I could telepathically hear the communal thoughts of a bemused looking audience -" THAT BITCH CAN'T SING" Dear God, make it go away - and trying so hard to repress the irrepressible urge to shout 'f**k f**k f**k' down the mike which was by then aiding me no better than a bored and unresponsive lover ( I've read about those) - pleading silently with any jumped up journo who might be watching and ready to go off to write up my filthy mouth in his report which no doubt, us being a mere 30 miles from Akron, my parents would get wind of.

Now you may well think that surely, at the age of 57, I should feel free to express my self as I see fit especially on my own stage. But there is not and has never been any swearing in the House of Hynde. I know, hard to believe.

I coughed and wheezed and sweated up a storm in my bunk all the way to Indianapolis.

Doctor said it was a good thing I caught it in it's early stage - could have been the start of a long, painful, protracted respiratory infection. Are you kidding me?? Cancel a show?? I've only canceled twice that I can remember in 30 years! If I were to be even two minutes late to hit the stage it would probably cause me some kind of major breakdown. Oh yes, I'm neurotic as hell. I already told you that.

Trouble is, I find it hard, read impossible, to write if I don't have a fag going. Ask any writer in the world and they'll back me up on that. Ask Martin Amis.

Anyway, to the good and charitable people of Indianapolis, I am truly sorry. And for that matter, you too Cleveland .

Has Martin started doing his blog yet? He's nuts, right?

Yours, as always, Chrissie



Chrissie Hynde's Tour Blog

January 27

Tour off to a good start.

Left home for London Heathrow at half past two and arrived J.F.K. about 10 hours later. Got a van from J.F.K. to take us to Albany. Pulled in after midnight, about 5 am London time. Lord it was cold. By 4 in the morning a thick blanket of snow covered the city and it was beautiful. Stood in the window of my hotel room and watched the first of the snowplows arrive. Meditated on that for a while. Another tour. You get this haunting personal relationship with the places youve been over the years. I only feel right if Im in a hotel downtown. Thats how you can commune with the ghosts.

January 28

In the morning we all went trudging off through the snow drifts and ice to a shop called Lodges. Famous as its been going for over a hundred years. Theyre very proud of it. Everyone got boots and hats. Skinny little English guys not used to the freezing weather. Ha ha ha.

Big marquee outside the Palace Theatre with our name in lights. Nice. One day youre gonna see your name in lights, kid There it was.

The Palace is one of those Grande Dames that sit in the middle of town like a family jewel. The sense of timelessness you get in those places is, for me, a turn on.

Had a production rehearsal. We all hate rehearsing - just want to get on with it. Gotta do your f*****g homework though. Ugh.

Met, and was pleased to say I was right about our opening act, American Bang. I didnt even have to hear them - I knew theyre going to be great just by looking at them. Thats what sets bands apart from other civilians.

January 29

Got the first show out of the way always a huge relief. It was good fun too well, it has to be doesnt it. The audience was well up for it ( thank you Albany) and we - if I do say so myself - didnt let them down. Good job we didnt burn ourselves out by over rehearsing the fear and shambolic ness made it, well unique. I need that wild element to get off. In everything. I was nervous but the stage is like a glove. Glad I decided to go with my gold T E L E. Feels perfect.

Some guy gave Tim a ticket stub to pass on to me that hed saved from a show we did at the Palace in 1982. Imagine saving it. Oddly it was marked January 29 exactly 28 years ago to the day. James was two.

Question: who is the S S officer who designed those bathtubs that drop from your neck at a 90 degree angle? Ive peeled off enough sandpaper daisies in my time.

January 30

Got the train to the Big Apple. The guys, being Lymeys and all (except for Eric) probably dont realize how special it is training it. Of-course Id never been on one before I went to England and Im still mad for it. How I dearly wish we could do the whole tour like this. Sadly, only possible on the east coast. Then we get into the Midwest where the tracks are down, but nobodys home.

New York State all down along the Hudson River frozen over was just gorgeous. Always think of Wendy O Williams when I see The Hudson as she did one of her dare devil stunts there when she drove a car through flames up a ramp and bailed just before it plunged in. Miss her.

Naturally shit scared doing our second show at the high profile Roseland Ballroom. Its another one of those perfect venues. Last time we played here I came straight from jail after busting the Gap with P E T A.

Saw some of the Kings of Leon in the hotel on way to soundcheck.. Nathan hasnt cut off his curly locks. I was actually compelled to touch them. Maybe Im starting to lose it here. Just love those long haired beauties.

Show Time

American Bang delivered, no problem. So So glad we got them.(Turns out theyre pals of The Kings. All Tennessee boys of-course! ) Our audience is loving them. Good good good.

Well, I just dig the hell out of that theatre - standing audience no seats- right there in your face just like it should be. They see us, we see them. Why bands want to play stadiums I dont get. When did Rock become a sporting event? Who wants to sit and eat while youre watching a band? Recognized so many faces up front, made me feel right at home.

James is a total nutter when he gets going. I could watch him all night. I can tell people are amazed to see this lanky pale English kid playing like a hillbilly hot shot. Then I look to my right and theres Nick giving it his punky thrash with that maniacal grin egging me on. He is always on. You need that consistent steady unflappable ness from the bass or the whole thing just falls apart like stale bread. And because of that Martins playing at the height of his game which is a joy to behold he really is the definitive show man. Cracks me up every night. He went all the way to Liverpool to get some red suede Beatle boots. Did anyone in the audience see them behind the drums I wonder. And then theres Eric. Never would have called that one. A peddal steel player? Whod have thought.

Johnnie Mac got up to play Precious with us. His face! Bet Borg never saw THAT look.

After the show saw some mates and had a few. Dozen. Just cant seem to keep that cork in the bottle. Oh well.

January 31

Train to Atlantic City. Those train stations are a joy. They now have eateries like the kilo restaurants in Brazil. My absolute favourite. You load your plate from a buffet then set it on a scale and pay by weight. Brussell sprouts, mashed potatoes, asparagus and pesto pasta. Lots of it. Im getting fat.

Casino gig. Mainly people in for the week-end who probably just show up cause were the band playing that night. Of course theres fans too - we give it to them whatever. Different dynamic than the theatres but the change keeps you on your toes.

. After the show everyone went to the tables to try their luck. Not me. Never got the taste. Surprising really when I consider all my other disgusting appetites and addictions. Stayed in my room drinking and watched Step Brothers. Again. Oh I am a sad f**k.

Gail, our manager, lost a hundred bucks on black jack but not before getting security to throw out some asshole who was getting abusive. Wish Id been there to see that. You dont f**k with Gail.

Feburary 1

Nothing to get on room service for breakfast. Who on Gods green earth would eat a pork sausage for breakfast by choice? (Only have to take a trip to the lobby to answer that one.) Never mind. Makes me more resolved to get my restaurants going. Managed to do my yoga (badly) even with a hangover. Im a dog.

Penn station again. Ran to that Kilo bar like a pig to a trough. How I love sitting in those public places and watching the human pageantry. I get lost in it. I like people. Sometimes Ill see some sad sack hanging around and I just feel an overwhelming emotion. Like the feeling you get when you see the personal effects of someone recently deceased. Eric and James got their shoes shined. Eric is that kind of guy, kind of a spiv. But I think James only did because I accused him of being too cheap to have em done. He couldnt stop looking at his boots afterwards- obviously never seen them buffed up before.

Security guard had a lovely sniffer dog. Glad I havent been smoking pot for a while. Who needs the hassel. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife were in our carriage so there was a twitter of excitement all round. You got my vote brother! Lots of security, secret service.. Gail and the guys were oh so impressed. All texting their mates in England. Silly sods.

Going through Baltimore even more of a thrill than usual since weve turned on to The Wire. . Avon Barksdale, where are you ? Omar, come out come out where ever you are! ILL be texting home about that one.

Washington Train station truly majestic. The mood in town, up. For all its troubles, America is feeling pretty darn good. Yes, the mood has definitely changed. As if the whole planetary alignment above has shifted. Well, maybe it has. People actually look different and Im not just imagining it. Even the American flag looks different.

Washington D C is a beautiful town. I admit, I never really acknowledged it before. Something to do with hippie in me being ashamed.

A night off and we took James out to an Italian as its his birthday tomorrow..

Hell be 29. Both Nick and James had to show their I D s. Hey, what about me? How about not serving people because theyre too old? That would save me a great deal of pain.

Ended up in the hotel bar (did we even pay?) talking to an oboe player who I apparently told to f**k off. Twice. I dont remember doing that but I did according to everyone who was there. Those classical musicians are stranger than rock musicians. I know that for a fact.

Feburary 2

The 9 30 club. Cool venue. Talked to the guys in American Bang at soundcheck. Found out they toured with Z Z Top just before we did. We all raved about our time with the great Z Z Top. I miss seeing Billy Gibbons in his Pijamas.and boots at soundchecks. Its the little things that count.

Was nervous as hell before the show. Mainly because I had such a rough day staying in my room all day indulging in self loathing. Just felt awful. The guys went out to some museums but I lost the whole day. Wont be doing that again any time soon. I hope.

Well, thanks to the great Washington public we had a good if not flawed show. At one point all I could see was a sea of red lights cause these days people would rather film the show instead of watch it. Lost my concentration badly but was partly down to the hang over. Had to ask people to put their cameras away. Sorry about that. Made some dreadful cock ups but nobody seemed to mind. Well you can watch me slip and struggle on Youtube. C******s! Audience was really so gracious. Carried us through the storm.

The Big Daddy Jackpot was that the writers/creators of The Wire came back stage after the show. We were practically kissing their feet. Dan Mathews and David Cohen and a mate of theirs came back too. They were totally wasted. I could feel the danger. Back away from the cookie jar! Dan loved the show so I was happy. They wanted me to go out with them but after last night I just couldnt face the prospect of another black tomorrow. In all my times over the years with him, Dan has seen me about as f****d up as anyone has and probably, recognising the fear in my eyes, let me off the hook. I imagine he was glad not to have to help me to my room later with a black eye and bleeding. (me, not him) He cheered me up a treat by telling me that Pamela Anderson is going to be in our PETA version of a Boots of Chinese Plastic video. Went back to hotel and didnt leave the safety of my room. Woke up at 6, made a pot of tea, feeling the relief. Thank you Jesus. Gotta quit smoking.

February 3

What a day! Back to airport hell. Hung around for hours waiting to get a flight out to Boson. Weather conditions. Made a pig of myself at Chinese buffet. These airports sorely need some vegetarian fare. I better get my skates on and get in there. Miss the train but thats over for now as we get on our tour bus from here on in. The guys are excited though. Guys love tour busses dont ask me why. I agree it makes is easier to get out of town. After the show you climb on, and if you can sleep, wake up in the next city. That IS nice.

Boston looks absolutely beautiful in the snow flurries. From my hotel room I look out over the common and it is a joy to behold. I wonder am I becoming a sentimental old fool? ( Ive criticised them enough in the past to deserve it, I know.)

Its a dreaded day off so I have to be careful.

Went out with Martin to see The Wrestler. Ive seen it twice now. Nice one Darren. Nice one Mickey. Nice one Marisa.

February 4

Woke up early and feel refreshed and good. When Im not a hung over wreck Im awesome. If I ever get desperate enough to join an on line dating service, maybe thats how I should describe myself. I imagine the offers will come in fast and furious.

Well, I for one am getting sick of my own ramblings so Im going to turn this blogging shtick over to one of the guys. Its been real!

See you somewhere down the road.

Yours, Chrissie

I had driven up from Washington to Boston thru the night with the crew on their bus ( we were getting our bus in Boston ). It had been very cold since we got to the U.S. and played our first gig in Albany some days earlier. I'm not much of a flyer so i hitched a lift overnight, always nice to find out that the crew bus , is a "happy bus" ..

The Ritz Carlton on a day off , a shower followed by a long wallow in the bath eased the old bones and tired muscles. So far the fingers were holding up with just a little bruising to the knuckles from punching the cymbals with my fists on some endings because a stick had 'gotten away from me '! The band were flying in today from Washington, the forcast had been for bad weather so i was real glad i was not flying today..

The weather outside was thick of fine snow and visability was poor and today 50 years before a flight cost the lives of Buddy Holly , the Big Bopper , Richie Valens and a few others . I decided to find out the aircrafts status online.

The weather was getting worse and i had hit a brick wall on the computers worldwide interweb so i texted our tour manager Tim. They were still on the ground in Washington. . After a few hours i went to the lobby and got the hotel staff on the case. A few minutes later i saw Chrissie walk through the door. I must admit i felt relieved knowing i still had a job... after all Buddy Holly was born on September 7th , same as our Lead Singer !

The following night we turned up the wick a little and the Orpheum was jumping. I was pleased the bass drum head had held out because at the 9.30 gig in Washington , i had managed somehow to put the bass drum pedal beater through the drum head and play left footed till the end of Day After Day which is quite a mind ****.

We then traveled together for the first time on our tour bus. I always feel better when we have a few over nighters under our belts. The driver David seems smooth with no sign of "nodding out" . So far so good..

In Philly a few days later we played an old Warehouse called The Electric Factory , that was a great gig for us. The stage had some standing balcony"s above me to my left , its like my own audient ..

So , as i Blog we are on the stationary bus outside the back of the Michigan Theatre. Who knows whats gonna happen tonight .

See you soon Martin .

THE PRETENDERS ANNOUNCE IN CONJUNCTION WITH PETA & YOUTUBE BOOTS OF CHINESE PLASTIC VIDEO CONTEST

January 12, 2009 - The Pretenders along with The People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and YouTube are putting together a contest where fans can make their own video for the band’s hit song “Boots Of Chinese Plastic” from their latest album Break Up The Concrete.

Fans and animal lovers are being asked to create videos via YouTube where they’ll lip synch the song “Boots Of Chinese Plastic.” Contestants are also asked to show off their boots or shoes of plastic somewhere in the performance. One winner will be chosen by the band and later flown to Los Angeles to perform their version in the band’s video for the song. “This is a fun way to raise awareness for a very serious cause. We are looking forward to seeing our fans and animal loving friends perform Boots of Chinese Plastic via You Tube” said Chrissie Hynde. For more information please go to: http://www.thepretenders.com/petacontest.html

The video once completed will debut on the PETA, You Tube and Pretenders websites in an effort to raise awareness for PETA. “We’re excited to have the casting net for this special Pretenders video be open to everyone via You Tube, with the promotion help of Apple QuickTime. The winner is going to have a lot of fun while supporting a great cause.” said Cory Llewellyn head of digital promotion at Shangri La Music. Band founder Chrissie Hynde has been one of the most outspoken activist for animal rights and has been a member of PETA for many years.

“Boots of Chinese Plastic” was a #1 song at AAA radio and Chrissie Hynde was recently named the best AAA artist for 2008 by the radio trade magazine FMQB. The band begins a tour of the U.S. starting January 29 in Albany, NY finishing March 14 in Reno, NV.

PRETENDERS TO RELEASE iTUNES ORIGINALS SET ON DECEMBER 23; BAND ALSO RELEASES DIGITAL HOLIDAY EP

The Pretenders announced today they will be the latest artist to be part of the iTunes Originals series. The Pretenders edition will be available exclusively at the iTunes Store starting December 23. On top of this release the band has released a digital holiday EP which features a new recording of the bands classic 2000 Miles as well as holiday classics I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and Blue Christmas. The version of Blue Christmas will also be featured in the video game Rock Band.

The Pretenders Original release contains new recordings of songs that trace the bands entire career and were recorded with the bands current lineup of Chrissie Hynde, Martin Chambers, James Walbourne, Mark Spencer, and Nick Wilkinson. The band will tour the US for six weeks starting January 29 in Albany (Eric Heywood, the pedal steel player from the last album will be rejoining the band for the tour replacing Mark Spencer). The Pretenders Original also includes interviews with Chrissie Hynde exploring the origins of songs, and the LP Version of Loves A Mystery from the bands critically lauded Break Up The Concrete.

Song list for iTunes Originals:

Almost Perfect
Dont Cut Your Hair
Loves A Mystery (LP Version)
My City Was Gone
One Thing Never Changed
Rosalee
Talk Of The Town
Tequila
Thumbelina

PRETENDERS ANNOUNCE FIRST NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINING TOUR SINCE 2003; TOUR IN SUPPORT OF WIDELY ACCLAIMED ALBUM BREAKUP THE CONCRETE

The Pretenders announced a tour through North American starting January 29 at the Palace Theatre in Albany, NY with the final show taking place on March 14 in Reno, Nevada. The tour is the band's first extensive headlining tour since 2003.

The Pretenders touring line up of Chrissie Hynde, Martin Chambers, James Walbourne, Eric Heywood, and Nick Wilkinson is touring in support of the band's ninth album, Break Up The Concrete which was released through Shangri-La Music in October of 2008. The album, which Rolling Stone lauded as, "The best Pretenders album in years," was recorded in 12 days in Los Angeles and offers an especially gritty and immediate and recalls the band's earlier days. The album has spawned the single "Boots Of Chinese Plastic" which reached #1 on the AAA radio chart.

Below is the Pretenders 2009 North American tour dates more dates to follow:

January 29                                    
Albany, NY                          
The Palace Theatre

January 30                                    
New York, NY                        
Roseland Ballroom

January 31                                   
Atlantic City, NJ                    
Borgata-Music Box

February 2                                   
Washington, DC                         
9:30 Club

February 4                                    
Boston, MA                            
Orpheum Theatre

February 5                                  
Jim Thorpe, PA                          
Penn's Peak

February 6                                   
Philadelphia, PA                      
Electric Factory

February 7                                   
Ledyard, CT                              
Fox Theatre

February 9                                   
Ann Arbor, MI                         
Michigan Theater

February 10                               
Cleveland, OH                        
House Of Blues

February 11                                
Indianapolis, IN                       
Murat Theatre

February 13                               
Cincinnati, OH                         
Taft Theatre

February 14                              
Akron, OH                         
Akron Civic Ctr Theatre

February 15                              
Chicago, IL                           
Riviera Theater

February 17                              
Milwaukee, WI                
Northern Lights Theatre

February 18                              
Milwaukee, WI               
Northern Lights Theatre

February 20                              
Minneapolis, MN                  
First Avenue

February 21                              
Kansas City, MO                
Ameristar Casino

February 22                              
Tulsa, OK                           
Brady Theater

February 24                              
Denver, CO                         
Paramount Theatre

February 25                              
Aspen, CO                           
Belly Up Aspen

February 27                              
Dallas, TX                           
House Of Blues

February 28                              
Houston, TX                         
House Of Blues

March 1                                    
Austin, TX                                      
Stubbs

March 4                                    
Phoenix, AZ                          
The Dodge Theater

March 5                                    
San Diego, CA                          
House Of Blues

March 6                                    
Pala, CA                          
Pala Casino-Cabaret Room

March 7                                    
Las Vegas, NV                        
House Of Blues

March 8                                    
Anaheim, CA                              
The Grove

March 10                                  
Los Angeles, CA                     
The Wiltern

March 13
Reno, NV 
Silver Legacy Casino

March 14                                  
San Francisco, CA                  
The Fillmore

PRETENDERS BREAK UP THE CONCRETE FIRST EDITION TO BE RELEASED ON HANDMADE SEED PAPER LETTING FANS PLANT A FLOWER WHILE LISTENING TO AN ALBUM

The Pretenders ninth studio album, Break Up The Concrete, will have a limited run of ecologically-friendly packaging with handmade seed paper starting on the album's release date of October 7. This paper can be planted and, with care, may sprout in 1 to 4 weeks. The paper used on this plantable run, and the paper for subsequent non-plantable runs of the CD and vinyl configuration, has all been certified by the FSC, an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests. The vinyl version of the album, to be released on September 23, is two 10" discs with a gatefold, die-cut to shape and debossed with concrete texture with a full Album CD in Mini Jacket

The ecological packaging should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed the career of the Pretenders front woman Chrissie Hynde, who has always been on the forefront of ecological issues and humane treatment of animals.

Break Up The Concrete's 11 songs were recorded in 12 days making for an album both gritty and immediate which recalls the band's earliest days. Hynde, along with the other Pretenders: guitarist James Walbourne, bassist Nick Wilkinson and long time drummer Martin Chambers will be introducing new songs from the album on Late Show With David Letterman on October 6 and then the Today Show the following morning October 7.

The media's response has been overwhelmingly positive with Spin naming the band, "Artist of the Day;" and exclaiming in their print edition, "Along with four new Pretenders, [Hynde has] crafted a statement that's stripped bare and dangerous, just like Hynde herself." The single, the restless "Boots Of Chinese Plastic" has already cracked the Top 10 of the Rock radio charts; is breaking boundaries on Alternative radio; and has become an immediate staple on the Classic Rock, Americana, Adult Alternative formats.

Shangri-la Music took the unprecedented step of giving a new MP3 download per week leading up to the release of the vinyl album. 11 different partners made a different song available each week with AOL/Spinner, Apple Quicktime, Clear Channel, CMT, iLike, iMeem, MP3.com/Download.com, MSN Windows Media, Vh1 Classic, Yahoo, and CBS Radio Online all offering downloads, creating a buzz of anticipation that no Pretenders album has had in over a decade.

Shangri-La Music is proud to announce the newest album by one of rock’s seminal bands with the release of The Pretenders’ Break Up The Concrete out October 7th. The album, the ninth in the band's illustrious career and its first in 6 years, has band leader Chrissie Hynde collaborating with a new group of musicians. Recorded in 10 days the result is a stripped down roots album, pure and raw, which highlights Hynde's timeless vocal sound.

While the music for Break Up The Concrete may have its origins in rock’s beginnings, the marketing of the album has Shangri-La Music boldly embracing the present and future. Starting today, the label is launching a massive MP3 Countdown campaign where each week a new song will be available for free download through a different media partner. This week’s song, “Boots of Chinese Plastic,” will be available through AOL's Spinner.com. In subsequent weeks downloads will be available through Apple QuickTime's site, ClearChannel.com, CMT.com, iLike, iMeem, MP3.com/Download.com, MSN Windows Media, Vh1 Classic, Yahoo and CBS Radio Online. Fans will be able to find where the next free MP3 will be available by going to www.thepretenders.com. Says Shangri-La’s Jeff Ayeroff, “The oldest and most basic form of exposing music is through word of mouth and the newest way is through the internet. This campaign combines both word of mouth and the muscle of 11 major online media partners and will allow people to hear how truly great this album is. Anyone who hears any of the tracks on Break Up The Concrete is going to tell everybody about it.”

Backing up Hynde on the album is a band that has no problems conjuring the true spirit of rock’s earliest days. Classic leads by guitarist James Walbourne, the twang of pedal steel from Eric Heywood, and backed by a concrete foundation laid by the rhythm section of bassist Nick Wilkinson and legendary drummer Jim Keltner, this band allows Hynde to show off her best vocal work and songwriting since the early days of The Pretenders.

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