Hard though it may be to imagine, imperious rock diva Chrissie Hynde admitted to feeling overwhelmed as she surveyed the Barrowland masses. ‘This is the most famous gig in the world,’ she declared (wearing her Barrowland t-shirt) with just a touch of awe in her voice. ‘All the bands say it.’

Mostly, the awe was flowing in the other direction as an all-ages audience witnessed an evergreen rocker with an unimpeachable voice getting on with the job. If Hynde was feeling her age, she was only showing it lyrically in opening number ‘Losing My Sense Of Taste’. One of the most seductive voices in rock was in fine purr, showcased most stunningly on a stripped-back ‘You Can’t Hurt A Fool’. Her guitar wingman James Walbourne was also responsible for some sweet sonics, emitting all shades of rock’n’roll, from the utter strut of ‘Turf Accountant Daddy’ to the ultra-cool ‘Talk Of The Town’. He messed up the start of ‘Kid’ but Hynde was all over those husky legato notes.

Her requests (orders?) to lower phones and savour the moment were mostly ignored in a rush to capture Hynde in action; eventually, she reached an entente cordiale with the crowd. Gig etiquette has changed, but Hynde remains a rock’n’roll constant. 

The Pretenders reviewed at Barrowland, Glasgow.