Pretenders - Middle Of The Road (Live Aid 1985)

[@ElusvOptmst1]

Are you kidding me? This was more than fantastic! Chrissie Hynde's voice is crystal clear, simply beautiful. The Prentenders are a phenomenal band! Their musicianship is masterful. Wow Wow Wow! :)

[@ronreinhold2100]

Absolutely. Totally awesome!

[@paleshelter4002]

I think the crowd was stunned by how cool they were!

[@ebisu2001]

I saw them live in Munich in 1985, phantastic concert :-)

[@nicidevine6670]

Great song 🎶

[@Me_ThatsWho]

The older I get, the more I "get" how talented and polished and cohesive they were. As a kid, I thought they were good. As an old geezer, I think they are brilliant. She still sounded great in 2018. One of the best live rocks- her voice had not degraded one damn bit, i was dumbfounded.

[@ronreinhold2100]

Christine Hynde is one of the all timer greats of female performers. Absolutely Awesome

[@johnfeatherman4942]

I was there! It's worth being old now to have been young back then.

[@letitiarydjeski2320]

I watched it live from NYC in my living room. I still remember the Pretenders' and David Bowie's sessions like they were yesterday. My luck and enrichment.

[@freedom4mealways]

Pretenders always had cutting edge music. This forty year old classic was never the "Middle Of The Road". It exceeded boundaries!

[@chlexiel.1022]

This woman has talent - she’s incredible. Her voice is effortless. 👍

[@letitiarydjeski2320]

I saw this live on July 13, 1985, and I am watching it over and over again 36 years later. This was a great group, and they played great songs.

[@CybershamanX]

Who caught the harmonica at the end? 😉

[@letitiarydjeski2320]

@@CybershamanX I wish I knew. They must still have them now.

[@LoneWolf-McWeed]

Quite possibly the best frontwoman of all time

[@southloopsoxfan]

I don’t think there is any doubt about it. I don’t even know who would be close

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

I'll definitely drink to THAT!!

[@originaljoeymac]

Agree

[@pslpom]

Hard call but Debbie Harry is definitely up there with the best

[@josephb.6158]

@@southloopsoxfan Ann Wilson would be up there in my opinion

[@yulianbuzo3016]

Days when popular music was real music played by real people.

[@SpeccyHorace]

Predictable comment.

[@desperatemohammedantheworl5833]

@ Yulián Buzo - Because there were no successful manufactured pop stars in 1985. What a dumb comment.

[@cameroncooper4175]

@@SpeccyHorace Is that an "okay boomer" remark?

[@mikestevenson576]

@@cameroncooper4175 I take it more as a "this tiresome comment is under every old music clip on KZbin regardless of era" remark.

[@rjjcms1]

But in a few years there could be pop stars that are actually computer creations. Max Headroom could be working on it right now.

[@darinjames3313]

She got the SOUL....Chrissy got the SOUL.......and the Pretenders kicked some ass!....WE ll be listenin to these Magic makers for many many years to come.....great video thanx

[@graceearl4448]

The day before this performance the Pretender’s played at a small Phillie club, The Chestnut Cabaret in University City. My friend knew a local musician, Chris Arms, who knew the band was looking to play for a live audience before they played on the Live Aid stage. I was there at the Cabaret and it was an incredible hour performance. I was sitting 20 feet from the stage. Chrissy was strutting and singing her Rocker Best. It was a wall of sound, a wall of Martin Chambers drums. One of the most memorable fun times for me.

[@rayboreham2648]

Martin Chambers, one of the drumming greats powering a great band. Long may they keep rocking!

[@Williamsongs]

I was at this show and seeing Chrissie's jacket brought it all back! Always loved this band. One of the (many) highlights for me.

[@UKBIGBLUENATION1]

This timeframe was the peak of music. Just so many really good bands and solo artists from the 80's.

[@russspaur9937]

I saw The Pretenders in Denver at Red Rocks in 84. Simple Minds was with them. One of many so thankful for .

[@Italy55]

Good one!

[@MegaSickcat]

Chrissie has the most fantastic voice! She's a MAD ROCKER!!!!

[@21mbw]

Pretenders kicked ass! Back then the Band played Real instruments and actually sang the lyrics right in front of you!! No Auto Tune, It was called Talent and Artistry!! 80s will always be the Best Decade, best music, best movies, and Best Parties!!!

[@Rambunctious]

The 70's were pretty damn good, too!🎸

[@nicidevine6670]

They sure do

[@Liz-g3d]

💯 YUP, WE HAD BEST EVERYTHING BACK THEN!!!😝 🎶🎵 🎸 🥁 🎹 🎺🎙🎤

[@VimyScout]

So tight.. What a band and Chrissie had all the magic in that voice.

[@QBtracksandstuff]

Robbie McIntosh on guitar. I did a few gigs with Robbie McIntosh and he is an amazing guitarist and a fantastic singer as well 👍😀

[@tektoniks_architects]

I was there that day....they were the best band of the 40 in the USA that played that day. Fantastic.

[@bradforddillman7671]

I was in the crowd, not too far from the stage somehow, at age 17. The Pretenders were definitely one of the highlights in a day full of highlights. Best concert of my life.

[@mikestevenson576]

The crowd beyond the front rows left a lot to be desired. Shirtless and lifeless, while the Wembley crowd was united and on-beat clapping along with every act.

[@bradforddillman7671]

Mike Stevenson, it was insanely hot in Philadelphia that day. So hot, they had to turn fire hoses on the crowd later in the afternoon. I’ll never forget, it was as The Who was playing ‘Love Reign O’er Me’ on the London concert feed. The water felt incredible. But if you want the biggest crowd response, go to the Led Zeppelin videos. We all went nuts

[@mikestevenson576]

@@bradforddillman7671 Thanks, Brad. Strikes me it was also an incredibly long day in Philly since the show started at what, 9 a.m.? Londoners didn't have to show up until noon. Were you guys exhausted by the time Hall and Oates came on?

[@bradforddillman7671]

Mike Stevenson, more or less. But truth is, the show lost steam at the end. The last really great thing was Mick and Tina. It ended with a snoozefest with Dylan and Keith and Ronnie. The show peaked with Zeppelin as far as we were concerned.

[@mikestevenson576]

@@bradforddillman7671 One last question about the JFK experience. When you saw the London show on the screens, did it seem like they were getting a much stronger show than Philadelphia?

[@FernandoRiley]

Only a handful of bands can sound the same live or in the studio.Theyre one of the best ever

[@KARENK72886]

amazing voice and presence: she needs no autotune, she can sing!!!!!!!!!! Love it.

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

Her live singing sounds like studio singing, which is almost unheard of.

[@nicidevine6670]

Great voice

[@Motown-1966]

It's a kick-ass song...great rendition to get the crowd goin'🤙🏾!

[@mamothcar1]

I remember I recorded this off the TV on VHS ..I was 25 years old...loved the 80's MTV ......Thanks for post!

[@Motown-1966]

mamothcar1 I recorded this onto cassette tapes! The show was great!

[@ronaldrojas5442]

Crisstine, k mujer,una símbolo de una voz especial grandiosa,bella,esto esel verdadero rock

[@andrewmeadows3232]

What a jewel at the end, Jack Nicholson..."The Mighty Pretenders" NIce!

[@ernestoitz]

One of the best CONTEMPORARY music bands, and in my opinion we have there a great live performance as well.

[@alc.7348]

finest female voice in rock period!

[@nicidevine6670]

For sure

[@marine4lyfe85]

I was at Parris Island July 13,1985 just 6 days from graduation. Our Senior DI let us watch some of Live Aid as a reward. I remember Led Zeppelin.

[@ninamc6116]

I remember watching this live! Brings back great memories of 1985. Damn I was only 20 years old! This is a long time ago!

[@christophertaylor1404]

One of my favourite bands from the 80s and how good are they live awesome

[@MrAlbatros2]

One of the best songs from Pretenders.

[@RonWinter335]

Dammmm....this tune and that tempo is UP!!

[@marciabeth1763]

this song is just brilliant! Even live the band and Chrissie are perfect! x

[@clarkgriswold6307]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTINE!!! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!

[@njdrummer7120]

Omg do i miss this stuff. That baseline. Magical.

[@steves2609]

Yes kiddies, this is how it was done, real artists playing real instruments with no auto tune..it was called talent, something severely lacking in today's so called music

[@gagefraw3182]

There’s good music being made today, you just have to look for it.

[@daverindone655]

@@gagefraw3182 Thank you! And you can do so without sounding like a condescending old man.

[@quantanglement]

@@gagefraw3182 REALLY look for it. And that's the problem.

[@gagefraw3182]

@@quantanglement not really. Take a minute or two on audiotree live or KEXP and you can get your mind blown by what you will find.

[@GregSB1]

@@gagefraw3182 yes, there is plenty of good music today; and yes, you have to look for it. I started HS in 1985, and the Billboard top 100 from that year is still getting airplay today. It’s hard to imagine more than 20% of today’s top 100 being remembered.

[@michaelpegoda7482]

I've been in love with this lady for so long she is awesome I agree one of the best frontwomen ever her voice is awesome I'm a drummer I wished I could have played for her

[@LaurieValdez-zk3dy]

ICON FOREVER Thank you so much ❤❤❤ Philadelphia USA 🇺🇸

[@mkmstillstackin]

What a great band. Chrissie, of course, is just the best, a tremendously talented singer and musician. Wished I could have been there. What an historic moment. Was in my early teens, just watched on tv.

[@steveunderdahl8929]

Such a great live performance of this song....I remember watching live just rocking the hell out!!

[@thecharlesfoley]

There are a few things about the 80's that I miss. The spirit at this show is one of them.

[@SDSFG45]

"When you own a big chunk of the bloody Third World, the babies just come with the scenery" (one of the coolest fucking lyrics, EVER!)...love me some, Pretenders, bro...omg.

[@ElSantoLuchador]

Martin Chambers was lighting up the drums. Something the cameraman wasn't going to let go unnoticed.

[@icetech6]

I drum along with this version a lot and it is a workout... he was just on it that day...

[@wildbill2122]

Robbie McIntosh was/is THE MAN !!!

[@disturbedcarrot]

Sound missed first half of his solo here

[@timford3599]

I get a case of "chill bumps" every time I watch this historic video of one of, if not, THE greatest Post Punk band I've ever heard. On stage, as exhibited here "The Pretenders" actually 'Exploded' in a sonic sort of way. I loved 'em then, I love 'em now!

[@rmsmith2396]

Not many sound better live than recorded, great talent.

[@nadeydaquiroz4051]

Wooow, what a powerful and beautiful voice, the whole group super cool!!

[@PeterAlanA1234567890]

Best concert ever ..Stray Cats, Pretenders, & ZZ Top!

[@desperatemohammedantheworl5833]

Stereolab, Add N to (X) and The Fat Truckers.

[@Acejustforalaugh]

Awesome, had this song in my head all morning for my run and bike ride. Then it pops up on U Tube. 😆

[@ebisu2001]

Same year I saw them live in Munich. Phantastic concert. Thankyou :-)

[@Sephiroth5200]

Can we just appreciate Chrissie Hynde for the Queen she is? She's more talented than a LOT of her immediate peers (regardless of gender) and I can't think of one single female artist in the last 30 years that can do what she still does in her 70's.😳😬😏

[@tothelighthouse9843]

FANTASTIC delivery! Hard drivin excellence from Chrissie & the band!

[@msa-tt4bg]

The Pretenders were the highlight of Live Aid.

[@richardchambers3533]

That is a badass tune!🎸🎸🎶🎵🎼👍

[@johnmork59]

the babies just come with the scenery!!!!!!!

[@WVUer21]

Jack Nicholson cameo at the end is the exclamation point. That performance was incredible.

[@RUSH2012]

Wooo great show. Great performance of pretenders ....:)

[@rael2099]

The best Pretenders line up. Period.

[@drummer78]

No....the original line up was the best and will always be...at least Martin Chambers was there for this though.

[@dazcracker]

They still rock it to this day. They backed up Stevie Nicks before covid and Chrissie has lost nothing. Still as good as ever!

[@Italy55]

Explosive performance 💥

[@tonygabrio6123]

Who wouldn’t love this. Just energy defined.

[@LukeKetchum7003]

Who knew the harmonica could be such a rockin' instrument.

[@jennifersmith4634]

Harmonica! Christie Hynde is amazing!

[@CybershamanX]

I wonder who caught it after she threw it into the audience. 😀

[@davidsabogal7723]

The best

[@timford3599]

@@CybershamanX I'm willing to bet that whom ever was the LUCKY recipient of Chrissy's fabulous Hohner still has it. If it were mine I'd past it down through the generations as a Rock N' Roll Heirloom! It's even better than Hank Aaron's 715 Homer to break the Babe's "unbreakable record."

[@iconicyard1311]

back then i loved my mtv.

[@richardchambers3533]

Chrissie still looks good!👍

[@quatermass8]

The faster tempo than it's usually played at is refreshing.

[@EZ2XLR8]

You'd think she was in the studio! Flawless.

[@DavidTysdal]

What a great concert this must have been!

[@ecklestone8736]

From the era that is was normal to make good songs and permorm them live on a wicked way 🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@TheFaithClubPy]

Lastimosamente se nota la diferencia entre el live aid en el Wembley y este en el JFK, los ingenieros de sonido del Wembley tuvieron un trabajo impecable, en cambio aquí en el JFK se nota que no estaban a la altura de las exigencias... Feedback a cada rato!

[@Nickpaflas]

I know it's "plans behind me" on the record, but I listened to it about 5 times and I'm convinced she's saying "Pants behind me" here

[@edwardlagrossa1246]

The good old days. Love you sempre, Chrissy.

[@willieluncheonette5843]

so effin great! Rev it up!

[@lucesysombras3429]

LLamen a los que dicen ser cantantes hoy en dia y se den una vueltita por este concierto

[@paleshelter4002]

Luv her attitude

[@DolganoFF]

She's so cool!

[@julieharrison7417]

Love the prefenders and chrissies guitar playing

[@Pete_S]

I think if Jack Nicholson introduced you at Live Aid you were the best acts there. The Who & The Pretenders? I say yes.

[@sireliot2149]

Its incredible how good this sounds at a faster tempo than the recording. I have never seen another band that could do that. For comparison, look no further than Metallica.

[@susanmccourt7085]

Holy crap the tempo. Their 3 song set was under 10 minutes!

[@jesusmanchego9332]

¡¡A girl rocker of all the times!!! Great band!!

[@stevechuy1969]

She's a powerhouse!

[@dustinwright4366]

They are awesome live

[@joaocarloscarlos7814]

1985 meus 35 Anos demais é nois é Rock Adoro essa cantora até a eternidade.

[@derek5168]

Chrissie hynde one of the great rhythm guitarist 🎸

[@harrellkerkhoff8054]

Back when rock was alive.

[@larryhorsman338]

Great song

[@stevefaure415]

What a great performance. Hands down, no question, the fact that they all went shopping at the "1985 Store" before the performance notwithstanding.

[@timford3599]

That was a Pro move 'cuz they knew that this was the biggest of BIG TIMES. I mean, how do you beat a satellite link up that was viewed by over 40% of the WORLD'S population!!!

[@cleech74]

Such a bad ass. Forgot they played this set.

[@dommccaffry3802]

God, this just tears out of the traps like a demented wolf , fantastic . I heard chrissie saying martin got sacked because he was playing crap bout this time ?????!!! REALLY ? I think not . Anyway , this has fire .

[@marymckinney4043]

She so a legend still doing want she love to do hell yeah. 22:29pm 30/12/‘22, Seamus from Ireland

[@jorgerodriguez85]

"I've got a kid. I'm 33 baby." That kid is now at least 33.

[@michaeldicken7977]

I've got to get a .33 baby

[@CMustaine-ky5hv]

Such a Great voice

[@Ken_Brooks]

Tight as the skin on a shark's ass. The greatness of this makes me weep.

[@tommcgeethree]

By the way folks. Chrissie is still awesome at 71. Oh yeah. ❤️💋

[@daddymidwest4111]

Adrenaline levels at 10 fo-sho

[@dondee5439]

At the 3:40 mark, did Chrissie Hynde throw her harmonica into the crowd?

[@matteowatteo1296]

Im lookin at that guitar player and I'm thinkin' Monty Python ...... "my brain hurts".

[@mrabrasive51]

Gumby!!

[@rjjcms1]

This wasn't the Pretenders' original guitarist James Honeyman-Scott from their earlier years,as both he and their bassist had died in separate incidents by then. From what I can gather at the moment it could be Billy Bremner (who's Scottish but not the one who captained Leeds United and the Scottish national football team). He had a song out I remember from the early 80s called Loud Music in Cars.

[@GoodMrDawes]

Awesome

[@carlosfigueiredo9338]

THE PRETENDERS IS ROCK AND ROLL!

[@flashflame4952]

It's 2023 and Chrissie is still one bad ass musician!!!

[@MsSmitty9]

She was hot then and still hot to this Day. A wonderful woman to boot. Love hearing her talk. Just a nice person.