music

Did Chrissie Hynde go and get all happy?

One of the qualities that has made the Pretenders' frontwoman a revered rock icon is her feisty, no-nonsense, flip-you-a-bird attitude. That sensibility in both song and demeanor has led to a jukebox full of classic songs and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However on Friday night at jam-packed First Avenue, she could have used more of her famous sass, snarl and spitfire.

Hynde's 90-minute performance found the Ohio-reared, London-based rocker in probably the best spirits that she's been in for a Twin Cities show in recent memory. She smiled, made polite small talk and graciously accepted a Brazilian flag from a fan, saying "thank you" in Portuguese. She didn't utter one snide comment all night, which is about as likely as Don Rickles not offending any ethnic group in his comedy act. Hence, clubgoers - both baby boomers raised on Hynde and younger fans probably witnessing the 57-year-old rock goddess for the first time - were treated to a good but not great Pretenders show.

The set featured a slew of classics (though no "My City Was Gone" or "Mystery Achievement") and a healthy selection from 2008's "Break Up the Concrete," her exploration into rockabilly and country-tinged tunes. Surprisingly, she didn't use Pretenders founding drummer Martin Chambers on that recording, but he was back in the saddle for this tour, banging away with the kind of ferocious power that prompted Hynde to introduce him as "the world's greatest rock drummer." (He had great red Beatle boots and silver mutton-chop sideburns, too.)

The rest of the sidemen are newer faces, which is consistent with the revolving-door practice of the Pretenders ever since bassist Pete Farndon and guitarist James Honeyman-Scott died of drug overdoses in the early 1980s. On board now are newcomer pedal-steel guitarist Eric Heywood from Minneapolis and 2006 additions, Englishmen Nick Wilkinson on bass and James Walbourne on guitar (both of whom sported Western shirts).

The group played with a casual tentativeness, befitting the early punk-rock aesthetic of the Pretenders. Things caught fire whenever Walbourne took an extended solo, notably on the new blues-rocker "Rosalee" and the 1984 favorite "Thumbelina." In fact, Walbourne's work arguably elicited the loudest reaction from the sell-out crowd.

Looking as sexy as ever with tight jeans, knee-high boots, a striped vest, black tuxedo coat with tails and her trademarked black bangs in the eyes, Hynde turned on her rock-star charm from time to time. She managed a leg kick during "Message of Love." She strutted and preened to "Don't Get Me Wrong," set to a skiffle beat and delivered with soulful panache. And she was unstoppably flirty and sexy during "Brass in Pocket." That hit was one of the highlights, along with a closing stretch of 1980s winners including the kiss-off gem "Precious" and "Tattooed Love Boys" with its odd time changes.

"Thanks for being such a great audience," said Hynde, sounding like a polite Midwesterner. "See you next time." Then she pulled off her jacket, slung it over her shoulder and strutted off with rock-star attitude.

For a set list, go to www.startribune.com/poplife Jon Bream • 612-673-1719