It’s a bit of a shocker who’s playing First Avenue’s tiny 7th Street Entry tonight, but The Pretenders will take the stage in Minneapolis on the night of lead singer Chrissie Hynde’s 72 birthday.
First Avenue General Manager Nate Kranz says the band is touring with Guns and Roses right now but taking time away to promote some new music at smaller venues around the country.
“I think it’s another way to connect with the audience,” Kranz said. “And if you’ve ever been to the 7th Street Entry, you can’t get on that stage and not connect with the audience.”
Kranz said when the show was first getting booked, he never thought it would actually happen.
“We have all sorts of bands that play the entry on their way up, but very few Rock and Roll Hall of Fame bands that end up in the 7th Street Entry,” Kranz said.
So far, 250 tickets have been sold for the show, and on the secondary market, they’re going for as much as $500.