Pretenders, Neil Young perform "My City Was Gone" at the 2005 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Pretenders and Neil Young perform "My City Was Gone" at the 2005 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Looking for more Induction Ceremony memories from the Pretenders? Visit the band's official Hall of Fame online bio: rockhall.com/inductees/pretenders
Dive into the full 2005 Induction Ceremony video collection at rockhall.com/inductees/classes/2005 and watch all videos, read from the official Hall of Fame program bios and view image galleries from the big night and archival materials.

[@christianobrien4465]

Holy crap!!! Christie and Neil age like fine wine they’re both still on top of their game

[@markoxamitny9014]

That bass groove will never, EVER get old.

[@drewpowell8874]

So true!

[@brettthebassist]

It’s fun to play 👍🏻

[@BladeJones]

Originally it was just a doodle on bass to warm up on.

[@jonathanhurley4055]

yeah...every time Rush started his show...that bass lick started ....hot stuff.

[@andrewkarp5067]

Recorded by the mighty Tony Butler of Big Country!

[@stevenpeters6909]

Not often you see Neil obviously pleased to be playing with someone. An obvious sign of respect of respect to Chrissie and the rest of the Pretenders.

[@leonardgould6657]

ABSOLUTELY! MIND BLOWING! NOW, IF THIS AIN'T rockin' in the free world, nothing is! Rock on Cleveland! Rock on Canada !🇨🇦 😎 👌🇨🇦 🍁

[@nadionmediagroup]

🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯 I’ve seen it with the Dylan 50th, Paul McCartney in London. *Sometimes in CSNY* and early in Crazy Horse tours, but at the end is iffy. REM @ Bridge school, Pearl Jam and that’s kinda it. I’m guessing a few more I don’t know about, but it’s rare. I’ve seen him 6 times. 2 with Crazy Horse, I acoustic, 1 nameless band and once in ~7000 seater where he played for 4 hours just alternating between electric, acoustic, piano or organ. He was all alone. He COMMANDED AND DEMANDED attention. He was just being Neil, but man, he was otherworldly.

[@JoseRodas-sc3rm]

That s'. True. .My. Amigo .

[@Mario-Loco683]

This Dude has played with quite a few musicians.... total respect for Music, not just the band

[@AntonyFleck]

Bit of a Funky groove going down here, love it!!..

[@lbowsk]

The Pretenders just blew the seams off stale and old 80's rock n roll when they showed up. I guess you had to be alive back then. This song is still as awesome and fresh today as it was when new. Love 'em!

[@DA-br9xd]

All in one take...no redo's, no fixes, just flawless feeling

[@alanrichardson9449]

I'm from Cuyahoga falls, how the hell you can rhyme that with anything is amazing.

[@epistte]

Every time I hear this song I want to order a large deluxe from Luigis. I'm a U-Akron allumni.

[@Harold710]

Berea

[@vinniemoran7362]

Whoa!!!! LOVE this song! Chrissy will always be the coolest woman in rock!

[@jay_noray]

Everybody loves playing with Niel Young. His energy is magnetic. And Chrissie is amazing!

[@IozziEric]

Chrissie Hynde and Neil Young: too much talent in one stage!!!!

[@stevehighley6456]

You know it. Real rock& roll !!

[@jonathanhurley4055]

uh...was that Eric Clapton?

[@jonathanhurley4055]

no couldnt be.... but just kinda looks like him

[@IozziEric]

@@jonathanhurley4055 You know it's Louis Armstrong, don't you?

[@richarddelgado2723]

@@jonathanhurley4055 Can’t there at least be one? one? All Starr jam with out Clappy ?

[@vernontowing3010]

She’s so fantastic. Her voice. The way she sings is all her own. And it’s absolutely perfect

[@tyecook9630]

I love it when Neil just gets possessed like that....

[@fredhenderson2072]

I am with you all the way

[@foureyedchick]

He's a Scorpio. He's high voltage! 👍

[@glenndespres5317]

That was RIDICULOUS! What a Jam! Neil is a beast and just seems to get better and better. Chrissy still sharp on vocals and attitude. Love this!

[@luannabbate2624]

Crissie never need the the whole "Madonnaish" image cause she was the real deal. No thong required!

[@tyrearn9235]

Neil is fricken KILLING IT!! DAMN GOOD! Had he sang and he should have,it would have been pure gold.

[@TheSuperman691]

I can listen to that groove all day dope melody neil young my Canadian dude was sooo happy wow ❤

[@riverraisin1]

Neil Young's guitar is his dance partner. Love watching him play.

[@teomelis7124]

The only American Antham that ever really made sense to me (born and raised in Detroit, MI) - where did you go Ohio (and all the rest...)?

[@teomelis7124]

And, still we're gone - ah-O-Ohio! Never forget Kent State, eh? Thanks Chrissy!

[@Blackscorpion1963]

This is totally priceless; one of the Pretenders best songs with a lil' added spice of uncle Neil workin' his mojo. Hall of Fame was blessed that evening.

[@populustremula7496]

Came across this in passing and saw the pic of Neil playing a 335 and couldn't pass it up. Great jam.

[@mikefannon6994]

Always admired Chrissie. At a time with few women rockers she had a dream, went to England, and made it happen. Neil adds an extra dimension to a great song.

[@TonySlug]

As did the equally cool Suzi Quattro.

[@RVTraveler]

Playing the guitar is like breathing for Neil Young. He can do it anywhere, anytime and with anyone.

[@paulsteinbach8121]

The look they give each other after the finish made me smile.

[@VonBluesman]

Congratulations y’all reached the pinnacle of Rock N Roll. You just can’t get any better than this. Thank you.

[@fredhenderson2072]

I can't stop watching this. Probably my favorite KZbin video. I love the way Hynde and Young are really into the song and each other. This is what it is all about. It takes me to places that few other can reach. And that includes Dylan. Yeah!! Way to go Ohio! Ooooh Yeah!!

[@TheSuperman691]

People forget about the heartbeat the drummer Martin ❤

[@larryklawiter9168]

Unmistakable Neil guitar, strangled into submission!

[@vickihall3670]

Saw Chrissie open for Neil at "Pine Knob" in Clarkston MI (Detroit area). She kissed the stage. I love her!!!!!

[@Musique61414]

My favorite male and female rockers on one stage is absatively posalutely awesome.

[@fredhenderson2072]

Yeah me too.. Like I say above, this is what it is all about. Collaboration is much more fun, and it looks like Young and Hyde would agree

[@Bob-yl9pm]

I'm now a senior citizen and these are now my golden years! Wow! Every generation has its favorate music 😊

[@jefffournier9986]

Neil loves these jam sessions with the other greats and you can tell.

[@ERIC-65]

Yes he does !

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

This is a great fit for Neil! Never noticed before that it really has the type of groove he lays down. Chrissie rocks- excellent songwriter.

[@miamipaul9755]

Probably the best one line intro in the history of rock.

[@robertasirgutz8800]

More swag than any other front woman. Never heard a voice like that.

[@juana1483]

Chrissie's voice has always given me the chills all up and down my back bones!!! Grrrrr

[@cathleenmallett8834]

Me and a high school friend felt we hit the pinnacle of "coolness" popping corn as "concessionaires" for the local movie theater while "My City Was Gone" played on the radio.

[@roberttreble2001]

So in Neil’s wheelhouse. Song about urban blight in farmland. Never saw it coming. Awesome pairing. You can see Neil feels it and Chrissy is lapping up the guitar licks. Her voice is impeccable still in 2005.

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

Chrissie is such an underrated guitarist...man, I never realized the extent of her excellent chops on the instrument. Such a confident, strong, solid woman. Besides that, she is THE coolest and THE sexiest to ever grace the stage...

[@nedgentz5740]

I remember thinking the same when their first 3 tours. Impressive.

[@alanlafromboise2927]

I agree and even in her 70s she's hot as hell, I love women rockers that are attractive but have that tough quality about them! She Baaaaadd!

[@daveinindy]

Is that an early version of a James Trussart "steelcaster"?

[@montemichelbleu]

This was riveting. Sometimes in rock & roll , it is the disciplined restraint that makes the song rock. Wow.....

[@manuger]

This song never gets old; it has everything on it, even politics and economics, for the ones who understand it. Chrissy is always amazing. Neil played the tune of his life that night.

[@timothyk8788]

Every time I hear this song, reminds me of the time I was at the Norton motorcycle dealership in Akron Ohio. Chrissie popped in to say goodbye. She was moving to England to become a rock and roll star. Dammed if she didn’t do it.

[@TheMiapapia]

Neil Young is like a big puppy onstage. The cutest!!!!!!! Chrissie Hynde is awesome.

[@6502phreak]

RIP RHL!!!

[@steveryan1746]

Happy 😊

[@Gil7111TX]

@@steveryan1746 pure evil, you are. 👀 rejoicing in someone death...lol I think hell is perfect for you then..

[@sarobinson56]

Wow....just so cool. Chrissie kicks ass....

[@marcok.6734]

Neil Young a really Canadian Rocker. I love him. He has a dignity. And still Rocks! ( no ridicolous black wig on his head....)

[@rayjohnson2387]

Gee.. I wonder who you're referring to lol

[@marcok.6734]

@@rayjohnson2387 Yes...😂😂 HE played in a 'BAND'...

[@labluvver]

No...he's been wearing a hat ever since this performance.

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

ridicolous ? L.O.L.

[@paolo-n2000]

Neil is so Canadian.. he became an American citizen!

[@joniarmel7308]

She is a force , an icon , one of a kind .

[@andrewfischer556]

I'm Stunned and Amazed I missed this in 2005. Rock On Chrissie and Neil - forever keeping us hardcore rockers looking around the corner

[@melissastamps9672]

Hell Yes RIP RL

[@robertwyman9202]

This should be our national anthem.

[@wareagle4789]

Every time I hear this song now, all I can think is, "Wow. Is it really noon already?"

[@PayYourselfFirst]

Rush Limbaugh gave me a great love for this Song.

[@jasonmoreland8155]

The only thing Rush Limbaugh ever gave anyone was a headful of knowledge as smart as potato salad and herpes.

[@LoudounDemocrat]

@@jasonmoreland8155 The world is a much, much better place without Limbaugh in it.

[@dvferyance]

@@LoudounDemocrat We now got the Travis and Sexton show which is way better then Rush's show ever was.

[@LoudounDemocrat]

@@dvferyance Never heard of them. Don’t listen to call conservative trash radio. Congrats on your obvious high standards. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dvferyance]

@@LoudounDemocrat Well if you never heard of them then how can you judge them as trash? Your so pre judgmental. I think your standards has some work to do no doubt.

[@pedal4ever]

Neil plays the best "sloppy rock" guitar. Puts his whole body into it. You go Neil!

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

He’s probably the most text book guitar player of all time but on electric especially whatever Neil feels is what comes out of the guitar, it’s his Crazy Horse signature but definitely not “sloppy” you just have to understand his style it’s different from anyone else. Go listen to Cortez the Killer, studio for openers. And ya, you hit a nerve! 😹

[@ttomgast1769]

Neil is a musical whirling dervish ....

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

@@ttomgast1769 Ehh You calling Neil a Muslim ? Not bloody likely pal! Try again. 🤯

[@thelastrebelshow1627]

@@ttomgast1769 Clearly you don’t know what a dervish is.

[@markprovenza6552]

That was cool as hell!

[@markir1947]

Chrissie and Young are great. A song that is so true nowadays even though it came out years ago.

[@keithmccabe4040]

Brilliance!

[@ryancraig2795]

How awesome is this? Chrissy sounds great here, Neil in the band.

[@hankearl9784]

As an Ohioan, I thank you Chrissie.

[@Gratefulman1965]

I love the “Learning to crawl”album. So much maturity shown on this release, I’ve often wondered that had it not been for the deaths in the band that maybe this album never would’ve seen the light of day. Its always seemed so grown up in comparison to the earlier albums. I suppose that’s the lesson learned that fueled this release. Love the bass run on “My city was gone” so damned infectious. One helluva great band.

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

Agreed.

[@leoray1234]

It’s such a great album, full of raw verve but also high sophistication. Nothing has ever topped it for me.

[@user-fi4wc3ck6s]

Awesome👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jeffrey3498]

Neil's having fun 😎🤘

[@maryreilly5092]

Thank you ScottishTeeVee for this great video

[@normanlabat5335]

New Orleans radio station WRNO played this 24 hrs a day nonstop for over one week as a promotion for the Limbaugh show when he moved from WWL to WRNO around 2008...probably a world record for continuous playing of any recording.

[@christianobrien4465]

NEIL YOUNG and Christie Hynde have super similar music writing styles… and they groove just right together

[@leoray1234]

The Pretenders are my favorite rock band of all time. This proves why.

[@Swamp_gas12]

Wouldn't say they were my favorite.... not sure where they would even place, 30-50,nonetheless great song. Love it.

[@etamommy]

maybe my favorite Pretenders song of all time. Great version!

[@donwarnick1089]

What a great voice as in it sounds as good as it did 30 years ago

[@tonyquinn22]

I just love seeing Neil Young jamming to the Rush Limbaugh song. I just love it!

[@TomBacchus]

Idiot. ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-rush-limbaugh/ In 1999, Chrissie Hynde complained about his use of the Pretenders hit, 'My City Was Gone' as his theme song. However, Hynde allowed Limbaugh to play the song in exchange for a $100,000 donation to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and vocal support against chemical testing on animals. Read More: Rush Becomes Second Musical Act To Demand That Rush Limbaugh Stops Using Their Music | ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-rush-limbaugh/?

[@tonyquinn22]

@@TomBacchus She is a sell out. She sold out. The song is more popular because of Rush. If not where would it be I wonder?

[@TomBacchus]

@@tonyquinn22 You seem to misunderstand the basics of economics. She forced Blimbaugh to pay for a song he had no right to use. There's a whole world out there that doesn't bootlick Rethug grifters bragging about thievery.

[@Tagg63]

@@tonyquinn22 LMAO. Maybe his limited audience never heard of the song but millions and millions world wide have known of it for decades.

[@jamesflannery6401]

@@tonyquinn22 bs it was a great song before he ever got a hold of it

[@danfango1333]

Chrissie and Big Neil. 2 of my heroes.🌴

[@JStarStar00]

Perfect. I always thought this had a strong Buffalo Springfield sound when it first came out.

[@SatsuKakashii]

Gotta love she let Rush use this as opening song, she said her parents were big fans of his. Props to her for the respect. I luv Chrissie. Class act and very talented!

[@pwk22]

Who would have thought that the coolest man and the coolest woman would ever be on the same stage?

[@conphuze]

Songs move over when Neil takes the wheel.

[@TheSuperman691]

Martin on those drums yes that's matters smooth dope line up Neil Young icing

[@ERIC-65]

That's my favorite PRETENTERS Song ever !

[@jimnichols999]

That's about the best live Pretenders ever...

[@edkerry87]

this could be a Neil Young song it is so badass.

[@willieluncheonette5843]

this is SO dope

[@MaddyN999]

One of my favorite bands of all times 🖤

[@Gratefulman1965]

By the way Neil just kills that lead run. Man that shit sounds good!

[@bobcaygeon4533]

Always loved Neil's crazy leads and solos. Anyone that says he is terrible guitar player just doesn't know. He is just a rocker.

[@eddiewilleford7746]

Never heard that one with Neil Young that was great

[@kurtb8474]

That is how a woman should sing. Chrissy's voice is awesome!

[@psychlos21]

What an amazing band. Chrissie Hynde is a great songwriter, musician and a bad ass. One of the pioneers of women in rock.

[@brianbarr5937]

Let's not forget about Adam Seymour on guitar back then, sweetness !!!

[@geoffkehoe]

Seeing this live was only exceeded by meeting Neil at the after party. Oh and Bruce inducting U2 and Clapton inducting Buddy Guy, and on it went. What a night!

[@jeffconway8729]

Yes, just rub it in! (-:

[@hatfieldd7]

Neil looks like he's having the best time

[@damienfaure8739]

So cool to them playing and enjoying together!

[@wareagle4789]

Funny, I always thought the first line to this song was, "Greetings, my fellow Americans all across the fruited plains!"

[@teddelguercio2173]

"And welcome to the Limbaugh Institute for Advanced Conservative Studies."

[@michaelrains2268]

Chrissie was always a liberal in her political viewpoint, however her father was a conservative and loved the Rush Limbaugh radio program. Out of respect for her father she allowed the Rush Limbaugh program to use her music as its opening theme.

[@wareagle4789]

@@michaelrains2268 Yes, I heard a clip of Rush last week on a memorial retrospective show telling that story. Even though they could not be more different, he had nothing but kind things to say about Chrissy Hynde. Apparently, in spite of her political beliefs, she was a big defender of Rush's free speech rights.

[@Each21]

@@wareagle4789 Defender of free speech rights is correct. She stated that when she was criticized for this decision she asked her critics if they planned to pay her daughter's tuition and all her other bills. Rush was grateful and she was well paid for many years.

[@jacksonmorganfroghin4815]

Big fan of Neil Young then later Chrissie Hynde, then still later Howard Stern and after that El Rushmo. Yesterday was a sad day for me and millions of Rush fans. Fun fact: The two biggest voices in radio have the same birthday. January 12. The lived in the same town but couldn't be more diametrically opposed politically. But yet one could be a fan of both Stern and Limbaugh. That's America! RIP RUSH. Who could fill his shoes? Nobody.

[@baliscotsurf]

MC made it swing. It's the Roll in RnR that gets people dancing.

[@michaeladelman2539]

Yes. Fabulous drummer.

[@Gratefulman1965]

Martin is one my favorite rock-n-roll drummers along with Phil Rudd and Ringo Starr! They have that swing and that’s the way it’s done ladies and gentlemen.

[@kazbah1217]

One of my favourite Pretenders song ❤🎉

[@joaocarloscarlos7814]

Neil Young esse cara é foda monstro

[@GP-ed1ti]

Total pros. So tight. Awesome.

[@lynnbourgoin]

My two favorite artists! Dream come true!

[@robjohnson5872]

Great band lead guitar too.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Chrissie is a Rocking Machine. Nothing artificial about her, it's Natural Intelligence.

[@mortongreenbaum9873]

A+ Getting these unruly cats to call...she did it of course. Love her “unrehearsed comment.” The Live environment is a slippery situation - rehearsed, let alone with the big personalities on this song right here. She hung in there and made them heel. You go Chrissie Hynde.

[@sheercerebralpower]

If you see that Neil Young doc about his solo gig in his hometown(there is a town in north Ontario) your mind will be boggled....he sounds amazing with Ol Black into a Tweed Deluxe with a TubeEcho.....

[@bevjohnson5280]

She was lucky there. If you give Neil the solo when he is in this mood , the song can go on for a very long time. Nice to see Al Pacino on the other guitar too.

[@chaxpress]

I think that's actually Al Clapton, Eric's cousin.

[@stephenchase3352]

@@chaxpress Adam Seymour. former Katydids band. one of the best players to come thru her band in recent years. tears it up.

[@allisonpayne2097]

Everyone rocks hard,and sounds great together in this place😎

[@maureent6800]

LOL 😆 UVKNOW IM SHARING THISSSSS HELLL YEAH !! NEIL YOUNG JAMMIN !! WHEEÈE!!!!!!!!;)

[@4amazinggrace]

What a stellar combo. Neil looked like he was in orbit. Great jam!

[@carriemccrossen7535]

That was fan freaking tastic!!!