BOTH Squeeze and The Pretenders have had more formation changes than the British Lions rugby team in South Africa.
But, led by their original singers at the Echo Arena last night, both bands belted out instantly recognisable songs with the same energy they mustered in their heyday.
Chrissie Hynde, the sole original member of The Pretenders, may be pushing 60 but is still whip-thin and hungry. When she sings “Gonna make you notice my arms, Gonna make you notice my legs, Gonna make you notice my style”, she still pulls it off.
Yes, the once sleek, black fringe now has a touch of the Bob Dylan about it, but the Kohl black eyeliner and the engaging snarl around the lips last night looked as real as ever.
However, last night’s set showed how to meld maturity into a back catalogue that harks back to 70s new wave.
Pedal steel guitar, the least punk instrument you can get, drove many of the songs like Don’t Get Me Wrong and Talk of the Town.
