Quick Read
- Chrissie Hynde bought her own signature Fender Telecaster off the shelf in Paris.
- Her signature guitar is modeled after her original Ice Blue Telecaster, chosen for its personal significance.
- In 2025, Hynde released ‘Duets Special’, a collaborative album with renowned artists like k.d. lang and Debbie Harry.
Chrissie Hynde’s name is synonymous with the rebellious, melodic spirit of rock. As the frontwoman of the Pretenders, she’s carved a decades-long career defined by her laser-sharp songwriting and a guitar that’s almost as iconic as her voice: the Ice Blue Fender Telecaster. But few stories capture Hynde’s relationship with her instrument as vividly as the day she bought her own signature guitar—right off the shelf in a Paris music shop.
It’s a tale that feels almost cinematic. Hynde, in Paris without her usual guitar (she’s famously averse to traveling with instruments), spots a familiar friend in a local shop: her own signature Telecaster, released in 2021 after years of anticipation. She walks in, points to the guitar at the back, and hands over her credit card. The shopkeeper glances at the name, then at Hynde herself—realization dawning. He asks for a selfie; she jokes, “Yeah, if you carry the guitar across the street.” It’s a moment of humor and humility, the kind you rarely hear from rock royalty, but it’s quintessential Hynde.
The journey to that blue Telecaster began years earlier in New York City. In a recent interview, Hynde recalled browsing a shop with two Telecasters on offer: one with the original finish, deemed more valuable by the shopkeeper, and a blue one. “Because I come from a punk mentality—and I really do have it—I don’t like collectors’ items and all that,” she said. The choice was clear: “Give me the blue one.” That decision wasn’t about resale value or prestige; it was about instinct and connection. The blue Telecaster became her trusted companion, shaping the sound of the Pretenders and serving as the blueprint for her signature Fender model years later.
When Fender approached Hynde for her signature guitar, she flirted with new ideas: sketches of black finishes, alternative designs. Yet, in the end, she realized that what she truly wanted was a faithful copy of her original blue Telecaster. “If you want to make me a signature guitar, just copy the one I’ve got. There you go. That’s it.” This practical, no-nonsense approach has always defined Hynde’s artistry—an insistence on authenticity over affectation, substance over style.
Her connection to the instrument isn’t just technical; it’s deeply personal. In the Paris anecdote, Hynde’s excitement at seeing her guitar in a shop window isn’t about ego—it’s a reunion with an old friend, a reminder of the journey that guitar has traveled with her, city to city, stage to stage. The story also reveals how Hynde’s signature model serves a real-world function for its creator, making her music accessible wherever she finds herself, even unexpectedly.
But 2025 has brought more than just tales of guitars for Hynde. This year, she released ‘Duets Special’, a collection that sees her harmonizing with an eclectic roster of collaborators. The 13-track album, available via Rhino and Parlophone, showcases stripped-down reinterpretations of classic songs and features artists like k.d. lang, Mark Lanegan, Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode, and Debbie Harry of Blondie. Each track is a testament to Hynde’s “UNESCO world heritage” voice, as described by critics, and her ability to connect with other artists on a soulful, intimate level.
The album’s origins are as spontaneous as Hynde herself—a phone call with Rufus Wainwright’s husband, Jörn Weisbrodt, sparked a creative chain reaction, bringing together some of music’s most distinctive voices. From the haunting cover of Billy Paul’s “Me and Mrs. Jones” with k.d. lang to the “somnambulant” beauty of Cass McCombs’ “County Line” with Alan Sparhawk, ‘Duets Special’ explores the power of collaboration and the emotional resonance of melody. It’s an unexpected turn for Hynde, following the Pretenders’ acclaimed ‘Relentless’ and their live record ‘Kick ’em Where It Hurts’, yet it feels entirely true to her restless, inventive spirit.
Through both her signature guitar and her latest album, Hynde continues to embody the intersection of punk attitude and musical mastery. She’s never been interested in collector’s items or empty gestures; instead, she gravitates towards what feels real, what serves the music, what connects her with listeners and fellow artists. Her Ice Blue Telecaster isn’t just a piece of gear—it’s a symbol of her journey, her sound, and her unwavering commitment to authenticity.
As she harmonizes with old friends and new collaborators, Hynde’s artistry remains as vital as ever. Whether she’s cracking jokes in a Paris guitar shop or sharing a microphone with some of music’s most celebrated voices, she reminds us that creativity isn’t about chasing trends or accolades. It’s about staying true to yourself, even when the world expects you to be someone else.
Chrissie Hynde’s story this year is a masterclass in authenticity—her refusal to be swayed by hype, her practical approach to music-making, and her ability to connect with both her instrument and her peers. As told through recent interviews and new releases, Hynde’s legacy is one of substance: a musician who never stops searching for the real thing, whether it’s in a guitar shop window or the heart of a duet. Sources: Guitar World, El-Balad, That Eric Alper.