The band played some dates, all remembered performance in old "R-club" in the Volgograd Ave. Having accepted a doze a bit higher the norm, the singer Shcherbakov forgot, that in the beginning of a show there was a song, which was necessary to sing. To the stretched or rather dragged out accompaniment the musicians were persuading him to start performing the agreed vocal arrangement … Eventually, he realised that it was high time he began to sing and he opened his mouth.
In 1997 the lineup changed: Mike Shcherbakov has left for Canada, and Serge Kooteynikov became a singer. To free himself from playing, Serge began to search for a double bass player. Dmitry Shakleyev, a skilled musician with jazz improvisation "Moskvoretchye" studio and pro gigs with jazz group CANON (stadiums with pop stars 80-90s) behind him was called. Dmitry graduated from "Moskvoretchye" at the same time with PRETENDERS' drummer. Serge Pooty brought him into the outfit. Soon the guitarist changed as well, Serge Sokolov began to play.
It is also known, that these guys were involved in bringing saxophonist Serge Sookhanov in MISTER TWISTER. He also was musically educated, and his mother worked as an "Moskvoretchye" executive. When the TWISTERS searched for a saxophonist in 1987 (after Pavel Verentchikov had been drafted in the army), they jazzmen connected Sookhanov with the TWISTERS.

The concert gig in summer 1999 in jazz restaurant "Blue bird " along with the CADILLACS is also remembered by everyone. The poster said, that it was a " … serene restaurant, where one can spend a quiet evening". One could call that show anything but quiet, in addition a fight started among the crowd. The musicians are perplexed till now, why nobody called the cops.
One more show in Loozhniky on a Beer Day the GREAT PRETENDERS played … without drums. The organizers had promised all the gear, instruments and equipment, but when the rockabillies had arrived at the spot, they saw before them dixieland-flavoured jazz band playing one funeral drum. As a professional Pooty had refused to drum with his naked hands without pedal, and PRETENDERS they had to pretend pretend that they are a trio.
The band has no records at present, except for live at Schwein club, recorded at the end of 2000. PRETENDERS can more often be seen at Taxman club.

Today the GREAT PRETENDERS are:
Serge Kooteynikov — vocals/guitar
Serge Pooty — drums/vocals
Dmitry Shakleyev — double bass
Serge Sokolov — lead guitar

In 2004 the band made a 4-tune demo