In January 1994, The Pretenders performed live on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," showcasing their iconic sound during a pivotal period of their career. Prior to this performance, the band had released their album "Last of the Independents" in 1994, which included the hit single "I'll Stand by You" that they performed on the show. This album represented a resurgence for the band in the early '90s after some lineup changes and the tragic loss of founding member James Honeyman-Scott in the 1980s. Interestingly, "I'll Stand by You" marked a significant moment in the band's history, highlighting lead singer Chrissie Hynde's emotional and lyrical depth. The band's presence on a major talk show also demonstrates their enduring popularity and relevance in the music scene at the time, as they successfully bridged generations of rock music listeners.