Chrissie Hynde Pays Tribute to 'I'll Stand By You' Co-Writer Billy Steinberg

The Pretenders frontwoman mourns the loss of her longtime songwriting collaborator.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde has paid tribute to songwriter Billy Steinberg, who, along with his songwriting partner Tom Kelly, co-wrote the band's classic tune 'I'll Stand By You.' Steinberg died on Monday in Los Angeles at the age of 75. Hynde expressed her sadness over the loss of her 'dear friend' and collaborator, with whom she enjoyed 'hours of mirth writing songs together' in LA and London.

Why it matters

Steinberg and Kelly co-wrote several iconic songs for major artists, including Madonna's 'Like a Virgin,' Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors,' Heart's 'Alone,' and The Bangles' 'Eternal Flame.' Their collaboration with Hynde on 'I'll Stand By You' helped cement the Pretenders' status as one of the most influential rock bands of the 1990s.

The details

Hynde said that it was through working with Steinberg and Kelly that she learned to collaborate with other songwriters, and that they 'wrote some crackers, including I'll Stand By You.' The song appeared on the Pretenders' 1994 album 'Last of the Independents.' Hynde helped induct Steinberg and Kelly into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011.

  • Steinberg died on Monday, February 17, 2026 in Los Angeles.
  • Hynde and Steinberg collaborated on songs together in LA and London.

The players

Chrissie Hynde

The frontwoman of the rock band The Pretenders.

Billy Steinberg

A songwriter who, along with his partner Tom Kelly, co-wrote the Pretenders' hit song 'I'll Stand By You' and other iconic tunes for major artists.

Tom Kelly

Steinberg's songwriting partner, with whom he co-wrote several hit songs.

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What they’re saying

“Very sad to hear of the passing of my dear friend Billy Steinberg. Billy and I, along with his songwriting partner Tom Kelly, enjoyed hours of mirth writing songs together in LA and London.”

— Chrissie Hynde, Pretenders Frontwoman (Social Media)

“It was with Billy and Tom that I learned to collaborate with other songwriters.... and we wrote some crackers, including I'll Stand By You.”

— Chrissie Hynde, Pretenders Frontwoman (Social Media)

“Billy, a gentle soul and great talent will be greatly missed.”

— Chrissie Hynde, Pretenders Frontwoman (Social Media)

The takeaway

The passing of Billy Steinberg, a renowned songwriter who co-wrote several iconic hits with his partner Tom Kelly, is a significant loss for the music industry. His collaborative work with Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders on 'I'll Stand By You' exemplified his talent and the lasting impact he had on popular music.