Pretenders' Hynde enthrals F1 crowd with rocker chick panache

It seemed almost a crime to have one of the most iconic female rock singers play on an unassuming stage like the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre during the Formula One qualifying race. But for Chrissie Hynde, it was business as usual.

Despite playing to a relatively small but tightly packed crowd 600-strong, the frontwoman of veteran rockers Pretenders gave it her all.

Looking sprightly at the ripe age of 61, she handled the one-hour set with an ease that can only come with having spent almost four decades in the rock business.

Security folks around the venue were quite zealous in making sure the crowd sat down and behaved themselves but by the time Hynde and her band launched into their signature tune Brass In Pocket, almost everyone got on their feet and sang along with gusto to every word.