Pretending Chrissie is a tribute band dedicated to the music of The Pretenders, featuring professional musicians who replicate the sound and style of the original band. Led by lead vocalist Rose “Wild Rose” Gill. The band aims to recreate the classic sound and energy of The Pretenders, showcasing their music from over five decades. They are known for their energetic performances and have gained recognition as one of the top Pretenders tribute bands around. wildrosemusic.net
On October 25, the Bornemann Theater at the Teri Campus of Life in San Marcos, CA, was transformed into a haven of rock nostalgia, musicianship, and a bit of humor as the tribute band Pretending Chrissie took the stage. It was my first time seeing the band live, and the experience was nothing short of immersive.
Pretending Chrissie is the concept of vocalist Rose Gill, whose voice echoes the vocal edge of Chrissie Hynde with remarkable precision. She was joined by her band, Bob Rupple, Lead Guitar & Harmonica, Larry Paschall, Drums & Backup Vocals, Eric Koch (Johnny Rhinestone), Bass & Backup Vocals and Geoff Shell, Keyboards & Backup Vocals. All who stood out individually and as a band were flawlessly synergistic.
The evening kicked off with master of ceremonies Al Reed, donning a top hat and tails channeling The Great Pretender. As he opened with the classic, it served not only as a cheeky nod to the spirit of the night, but also as a symbolic passing of the mic to the headliner: Rose Gill, who delivers a stunningly authentic portrayal of Chrissie Hynde.
From the moment the band launched into Message of Love, the audience was transported back to late-’70s punk and early ’80s new wave. The setlist featured classics including Stop Your Sobbing, Back on the Chain Gang, and the band’s key track from their Debut Album Precious. Between songs, Rose shared anecdotes about Chrissie’s musical influences and personal relationships—like her creative connection to Bob Dylan and her romantic history with Simple Minds’ frontman Jim Kerr by featuring the Simple Minds Song, Don’t You (Forget About Me) – adding a layer of intimacy.
The show included collaborations with Frontman Tony Rivas and Mark Wood, Guitar (Custard Pie), Debbra Sweet (Cher’d) who paid homage to Annie Lennox and Cher with powerhouse vocals, and the elegance of Deanna Farrell rocking the electric violin.
Rose’s rendition of Brass in Pocket was the highlight of the night for me. We were dancing in the aisles. It was her expressive phrasing and her connection with us that was a performance that honored Chrissie Hynde while still being uniquely her own.
The blend of faithfully recreated music, storytelling, and genuine connection made the night unforgettable. Between the songs and stories, it felt as though I wasn’t just watching a band; I was taking part in Chrissie’s musical journey. wildrosemusic.net/chrissie-rocks
Victoria Vaughn – Staff Writer / BackStage360
Images: BrianTierney.Photography / BackStage360
Our thanks to the Bornemann Theatre for all of their help…..ed
BORNEMANN THEATRE SET LIST
1) THE GREAT PRETENDER
2) MESSAGE OF LOVE
3) LATIN LUPE LOU
4) STOP UR SOBBING
5) WATERLOO SUNSET
6) PRECIOUS
7) THE WAIT
8) DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME
9) BACK ON THE CHAIN GANG
10) SWAY
11) FOREVER YOUNG
12) GIVE IT UP
SET 2
1) ANGEL OF THE MORNING
2) NIGHT IN MY VEINS
3) KID
4) MIDDLE OF THE RD
5) I’LL STAND BY YOU
6) BRASS IN POCKET
7) DON’T GET ME WRONG
8) BLUEBIRDS OVR THE MOUNTAIN
9) MYSTERY ACHIEVEMENT
10) I GOT YOU
11) LOVE CAN BUILD A BRIDGE
12) DEVIL WITH BLUE DRESS /GOOD GOLLY, MISS MOLLY