Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer of the Pretenders and a figure known for her privacy and reluctance to engage in self-reflection, finally agreed to participate in the first authorized documentary about her band after years of persuasion by filmmaker Joss Crowley. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, was created with Hynde’s specific input—she insisted it focus on the band’s story rather than on her personal life. At 75, Hynde declined to watch the final version, saying that reflecting on the past is emotionally draining for her. She also emphasized that the film should avoid excessive personal stories or themes like “women in rock.” Hynde participated in only one on-camera interview for the documentary and initially resisted further involvement, stating that she wanted to avoid long discussions about her past. She noted that participating in the project inevitably led to more focus on her personal life than she intended. Despite this, she remained committed to the project, recognizing its potential to tell the story of the Pretenders in a way that aligns with her vision. Reflecting on her connection to rock 'n' roll, Hynde credited her upbringing in the 1960s for shaping her passion for the genre. She acknowledged that the rebellious spirit of rock 'n' roll has changed over time, with modern musicians often prioritizing self-promotion and commercial success. Hynde criticized this shift, pointing out that the idea of “selling out” has largely faded, as seen in the use of iconic songs like John Lennon’s “Revolution” in advertisements. Hynde also spoke about the impact of drug abuse on her band during its early years, particularly the deaths of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon. While she acknowledged the pain caused by these issues, she also noted that the era’s challenges may have contributed to the creative output of the band. She emphasized that, despite the difficulties, the music from that time still holds value. Crowley, the filmmaker, aimed to create a documentary that honored the music without overanalyzing it. Hynde criticized the trend of dissecting songs in detail, as seen in shows like “Classic Albums,” which she felt took away from the enjoyment of the music. She also expressed her dislike for celebrity culture and the myth of rock 'n' roll as a glamorous lifestyle, insisting that it is simply about music, personality, and expression. Hynde dismissed the idea of “rock royalty,” stating that it has little relevance to being part of a rock band.