Chrissie Hynde Recalls Almost Marrying Sex Pistols Members

Chrissie Hynde’s early years in London almost ended with an unexpected marriage. She faced deportation in 1976 and explored drastic options to stay.

From Akron to London

Hynde was born in Akron, Ohio, in 1951. She studied art at Kent State University and played in a pre-Devo band with Mark Mothersbaugh.

She moved to London in 1973. She briefly worked at an architectural firm before leaving after eight months.

Writing and the London scene

In London, she met journalist Nick Kent. He helped her secure a writing role at the NME.

That job introduced her to the city’s creative circles. The anonymity of the move allowed her to experiment freely.

Visa crisis and the Sex Pistols

By 1976 she lacked a valid visa and faced deportation. She explored different ways to remain in Britain.

Hynde asked Johnny Rotten to marry her to secure residency. Rotten declined as his profile rose.

Sid Vicious, who had replaced Glen Matlock, accused her of opportunism. He then offered to wed her himself, and she accepted.

The plan collapsed when the register office was closed. Sid soon had a court appearance over an assault involving a glass.

She left for France shortly after. An attempt to start a band there failed.

Return and the formation of The Pretenders

Hynde returned to Cleveland but soon came back to London in 1976. Punk had by then transformed the city’s music scene.

She tried and failed to form a band with Joe Strummer. She then founded The Pretenders in 1978.

The Pretenders quickly found success. Hits such as “Brass in Pocket” established them in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Aftermath and legacy

Chrissie Hynde later spoke about almost marrying a Sex Pistols member to avoid deportation. She has recounted these events in interviews, including in 2009.

The episode highlights the chaotic energy of the punk era. It also shows how personal crises shaped major musical careers.