Bassist Tony Butler's contribution to The Pretenders' relaunch in 1982 involved performing a rock classic that caught Chrissie Hynde's displeasure, as she stood before them and showcased her backside due to frustration with the band's performance.
In the fall of 1982, The Pretenders released two of their biggest hits, "Back on the Chain Gang" and "My City Was Gone". This article explores the intricacies of "Back on the Chain Gang", delving into its musical structure, the band's lineup, and the contributions of its bassist, Tony Butler.
The song's composition is a symphony of rhythm and melody, with Tony Butler's bass playing a pivotal role in gluing together the more rhythmically energetic guitar and drums. Unlike the first chorus, the second chorus simplifies the call-and-response idea, while the bridge features a minor modulation at 02:05, lending an ominous tone. The eighth-note lick at 00:49 heralds the chorus, and an octave slide down from E on the A string to open E, inserted by Butler, serves as a subtle subhook when the chords change from A to Em.
The final verse modulates up to E major, and the bassline accompanying this section presents a more basic chord progression. In contrast, the chorus's bassline has an internal call-and-response in each two-bar phrase. The bridge, too, boasts an ominous-sounding octave bassline.
Butler also contributed to the song's catchy hooks, with a slide-guitar melody and the 'Hoo! Hah!' background vocals during each chorus. His inspiration for creating memorable basslines came from watching a woman dance.
The Pretenders' lineup for the recording of "Back on the Chain Gang" and "My City Was Gone" saw the departure of original members James Honeyman-Scott and Pete Farndon, who left due to cocaine-induced heart failure and erratic drug-fueled behaviour respectively. Chrissie Hynde and Martin Chambers were the only original members remaining. The band recruited Billy Bremner as guitarist and Tony Butler as bassist in 1982.
Post the success of "Back on the Chain Gang", Butler moved on to join the Scottish rock band, Big Country. His departure marked a new chapter for The Pretenders, but his contributions to their music, particularly "Back on the Chain Gang", continue to resonate.
In conclusion, "Back on the Chain Gang" is a testament to the power of collaboration and the individual brilliance of its musicians. Its enduring popularity underscores its significance in the annals of rock music.
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