Pretenders tour announces first round of ‘Concrete’ dates for 2009

Frontwoman Chrissie Hynde is taking the Pretenders out on the road in 2009 for a solo run across the United States. The trek kicks off January 29 at The Palace Theatre in Albany, NY, and runs through a March 14 concert at Silver Legacy Casino in Reno, NV.

During the 31-date coast-to-coast jaunt, the rockers will stop in the Northeast for a January 30 concert at the Roseland Ballroom in New York, NY, a February 2 show at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, and a February 6 gig at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, PA. As the band moves west, they will perform a February 17-18 run at Northern Lights Theatre in Milwaukee, WI, a March 1 show at Stubb’s in Austin, TX, and a March 10 concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA.

“We’ll probably be touring most of the year, I think; that’s what we’re hoping for, at least,” Hynde said in a mid-November interview with Billboard. “Even to me it sounds like, ‘Why would I want to get on a tour coach and sleep in a bunk with a bunch of guys?’, but that’s where we feel comfortable.”

Despite feeling comfortable on the road, Hynde also noted that she doesn’t necessarily see the Pretenders lingering on for many more years. “I can’t think it would be much longer. Thirty years seems like already wearing out your welcome in rock ‘n’ roll,” she commented, adding, “But I have no plans, one way or the other.”

The British rockers and their iconic Akron, OH-based leader are supporting their ninth studio album and first record in six years, “Break Up the Concrete,” which hit stores on October 7 in the U.S. The Pretenders released several editions of the album, including an iTunes exclusive with bonus tracks.

Peaking at No. 32 on the Billboard 200, “Concrete” also featured Jim Keltner standing in for regular drummer Martin Chambers. “I wanted a different groove on this album, and Martin had no problem letting Jim take over for the project,” Hynde explained on the band’s Web site.

However, Chambers will join Hynde as part of band’s touring lineup for the winter 2009 jaunt, along with James Walbourne (lead guitar), Eric Heywood (pedal steel), and Nick Wilkinson (bass guitar).

Pretenders itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)