Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde Mourns Passing of 'I'll Stand By You' Co-Writer Billy Steinberg

Hynde pays tribute to the acclaimed songwriter, who co-wrote several hits with partner Tom Kelly.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 12:15pm

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Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde has expressed sadness over the passing of songwriter Billy Steinberg, who co-wrote the band's classic song 'I'll Stand By You' along with his longtime collaborator Tom Kelly. Hynde said she and the two songwriters enjoyed 'hours of mirth writing songs together' and that Steinberg, who died at age 75, was a 'gentle soul and great talent' who will be 'greatly missed'.

Why it matters

Steinberg and Kelly co-wrote numerous iconic songs recorded by major artists over the decades, including Madonna's 'Like a Virgin,' Cyndi Lauper's 'True Colors,' 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 acclaimed rock bands of the 1990s.

The details

Hynde said she, Steinberg, and Kelly 'wrote some crackers, including I'll Stand By You,' which appeared on the Pretenders' 1994 album 'Last of the Independents.' Hynde also helped induct Steinberg and Kelly into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2011.

  • Steinberg died on Monday in Los Angeles.
  • Hynde's tribute was posted on social media.

The players

Chrissie Hynde

The frontwoman of the rock band Pretenders.

Billy Steinberg

A acclaimed songwriter who co-wrote several hit songs, including the Pretenders' 'I'll Stand By You.'

Tom Kelly

Steinberg's longtime songwriting partner, with whom he co-wrote numerous iconic 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. 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. Billy, a gentle soul and great talent will be greatly missed.”

— Chrissie Hynde, Pretenders Frontwoman

The takeaway

Chrissie Hynde's heartfelt tribute highlights the lasting impact of Billy Steinberg's songwriting legacy, which includes some of the most beloved and iconic songs of the past several decades. His collaborations with Hynde and Tom Kelly demonstrate the power of creative partnerships in the music industry.