Miles Salter on The Pretenders: A Dangerous Band

Miles Salter has written widely since the early 1990s, publishing journalism, fiction and poetry. He was Director of York Literature Festival (2007 – 2016) and presented and wrote The Arts Show for Jorvik Radio (2019 – 21). He has been a visiting lecturer at Leeds Trinity University. In the 1990s he lived in Hull, working at the local prison. He currently writes for the York Calling website and fronts the band Miles and The Chain Gang.

Miles joins us to talk about his new book A Dangerous Band: The Pretenders 1978 – 83. This is a riveting story of excess, conflict, success and terrible tragedy. Miles will be in conversation with writer and poet John Goodby.

Salter’s account delves into the Pretenders’ dark and captivating story, exploring the deaths of guitarist James Honeyman Scott and bassist Pete Farndon.

Focusing on the original line-up, the story reveals a world of fame, addiction, and heartbreak. Honeyman-Scott and Farndon died just 10 months apart. The book’s colourful cast of characters includes Chrissie Hynde, John Lydon, Sid Vicious, Malcolm McLaren, Vivienne Westwood, Ray Davies, Seymour Stein, Bruce Springsteen and Nick Lowe.

In February 2025, Miles began his book, drawing on previously recorded interviews, including ones with Martin Chambers, the band’s original drummer. Miles delved into articles from the late 1970s and early 1980s. He returned to Honeyman Scott and Farndon’s home city of Hereford to record more interviews. He spoke to everybody he could – record company staff, romantic connections of band members, family, music journalists – to build a riveting picture of success, excess and tragedy.

‘It’s just such a sad story. People told me how funny and charming and likeable Jimmy and Pete were, and they both died in the most appalling ways....

In terms of telling a story, I got lucky. Every time I thought things couldn’t get stranger, something more shocking emerged. It’s a real-life tragedy packed with all the elements of a compelling story. It has a Faustian element to it. They made a deal with the devil. It’s a case of ‘be careful what you wish for’. Chrissie Hynde wrote in one of her later lyrics, ‘what’s the price of fame?’ I think that sums up the book. It’s a question that has haunted her.’

From Farndon’s heartbreaking death at 30 to Honeyman Scott’s charm and struggles, Salter’s meticulous research uncovers the personal lives, conflicts and rivalries behind the hits.

A deeply emotional account, the book shows how fame can destroy even the most talented. Salter’s honest narrative offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the cost of success.

Perfect for music lovers and readers interested in stories of fame, addiction, and tragedy — this is a powerful, unflinching look at a band that defined an era.