Pretenders

Album: Dead Throne (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Vocalist Mike Hrancia discussed the song's lyrical content with Alternative Press: "Lyrically, the song is bitter. It's aimed at bands I don't like, bands that are super unoriginal and have no substance, [and] people that jump on trends - which is why it's called 'Pretenders.' All the songs have a very personal identity, which is why I've been able to rant about them for so long, but 'Pretenders' has a very specific identity to me personally as far as having ideas. It definitely has that power and strength behind it."
  • Guitarist Chris Rubey told Alternative Press: "I play 'Pretenders' on a seven-string guitar. We kind of went through and picked the heaviest [songs] and said, "These ones are going to be the heaviest ones, let's tune them the lowest."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Todd Rundgren

Todd RundgrenSongwriter Interviews

Todd Rundgren explains why he avoids "Hello It's Me," and what it was like producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album.