Pretentious: The Original L.A. Pretenders Tribute

Pretentious is L.A.'s original tribute to The Pretenders, faithfully recreating the classic Pretenders' live show from the 80s, including Pretenders' hits like "Middle of The Road", “Back on The Chain Gang”, and "I'll Stand by You".

Hynde and company are definitive rock icons, and Pretentious have captured the essence of the Pretenders spirit with their spot-on renditions of timeless Pretenders’ songs. Playing hallmark Pretenders classics like "Precious", "Mystery Achievement", “Tattooed Love Boys” and "Brass in Pocket", Pretentious pays homage to the original Pretenders line-up of Chrissie Hynde, Martin Chambers, James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon.

With the eerily Hynde-like vocals and punctuating rhythm guitar of Dina Gathe (in the role of Chrissie Hynde), the thumping bass of Mike Bear (as Pete Farndon), the energetic drumming of Eddie DeJoy (as Martin Chambers), and the unabashed guitar solos of Brian Keith (as James Honeyman-Scott), the Pretentious live show offers an authentic recreation of the pure rock and roll energy and Hynde sensuality that have made the Pretenders world famous.
We hope to see you at a show, and long live The Pretenders!

"This band and each member are world class. Period. Not only do they sound just like and deliver the energy of "The Pretenders", but it is also obvious in seeing them live and the way in which they deliver this project, that they are extremely talented, passionate, and dynamic in their original musicianship. There is no doubt. I look forward to much more from these really cool cats ...."
Kirk Alexander (www.myspace.com/kirkalexander)

Pretentious - Ain't no Pretenders, they are the REAL DEAL!
"Being from the era of the original Pretenders I was skeptical to go see "Pretentious - L.A.'s Original Pretender's Tribute" but I wanted to check it out at Paladino's, a club known for it's tribute band nights. So glad I did as the place was packed awaiting this new group to hit the stage. The music, the look, the sound and the energy was truly a tribute to Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders but it was all "Pretentious" pounding out the hits. If I hadn't known this was a tribute band, closing my eyes to only listen I'd have sworn it was the real deal. The band's opening song covering "Mystery Achievement" gave me chills when lead singer Dina Gathe sang "don't breathe down my neck, nah"... Mike Bear's bass line was exactly as Pete Farndon had done with Eddie DeJoy keeping a strong steady beat like Martin Chambers. Brian Keith had the hard edged sexy rock riffs of the great James Honeyman Scott so that the crowd really was in a time warp.
I usually don't like most tribute bands but this one is different - you can feel the power and emotion in their wall of sound like a spiritual channeling of the originals. Dina Gathe has taken Pretentious to a new level of quality entertainment for a tribute band so that it's not a caricature but a vision of the past come to life. Each song raised the audience to a new high, covering "Brass in Pocket", "Message of Love", and other great hits this band has the cool presence and the music chops to spark a cult following. If Chrissie Hynde was there she'd be loving this, no doubt! The audience was into this band totally. I can't remember all the songs played in the 45 minute set because the moment was on fire. If you have a chance to see "Pretentious, L.A.'s original tribute to the Pretenders", you must! The music will make you smile and remember how good it feels to wear your red leather jacket, rock to the beat of "Tattooed Love Boys" and appreciate the awesome talent of not only Chrissie and the original band, but Dina Gathe and her Pretentious partners."
Toni Koch, TK Promotions