UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Item 1.        Report to Shareholders.

The Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: WEA

For more information, visit us on the web
at www.leggmason.com/cef.

Investment Commentary (unaudited)

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund

Financial Market Overview

While 2008 was characterized by upheaval in the financial markets, periods of extreme volatility, illiquidity and heightened risk aversion, 2009 was largely a return to more normal conditions and increased investor risk appetite.

Looking back at the tail end of 2008, investors fled fixed-income securities that were seen as being risky and flocked to the relative safety of short-term Treasuries, driving the latter’s prices higher and their yields to historically low levels. In contrast, non-Treasury spreads widened to historically wide levels in some cases, as the market priced in worst-case scenarios. This caused nearly every spread sector to lag equal-durationi Treasuries during the year. While this trend continued in early 2009, some encouraging economic data and a thawing of the once frozen credit markets helped bolster investor confidence.

In a stunning turnaround, by the end of the first quarter of 2009, risk aversion had been replaced by robust demand for riskier, and higher-yielding, fixed-income securities. Despite some temporary setbacks, riskier assets continued to perform well during the remainder of the year. Looking at 2009 as a whole, every spread sector outperformed equal-duration Treasuries.

While economic news often surprised on the upside during 2009, incoming economic data did not suggest a dramatic rebound in growth in 2010. As such, the Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”)ii continued its accommodative monetary policy during 2009. The Fed met eight times in 2009 and, on each occasion, kept the federal funds rateiii in a range of 0 to 1/4 percent. This trend continued at the Fed’s meeting in January 2010. At that time, the Fed said that it “will maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and continues to anticipate that economic conditions, including low rates of resource utilization, subdued inflation trends, and stable inflation expectations, are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for an extended period.”

Economic Review

While the U.S. economy was weak during the first half of the twelve-month reporting period ended December 31, 2009, the lengthiest recession since the Great Depression finally appeared to have ended during the second half of the year.

Looking back, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported that first quarter 2009 U.S. gross domestic product (“GDP”)iv contracted 6.4%. The economic environment then started to get relatively better during the second quarter, as GDP fell 0.7%. The economy’s more modest contraction was due, in part, to smaller declines in both exports and business spending. After contracting four consecutive quarters, the Commerce Department reported that third quarter 2009 GDP growth was 2.2%. A variety of factors helped the economy to expand, including the government’s $787 billion stimulus program, its “Cash for Clunkers” car rebate program, which helped spur an increase in car sales, and tax credits for first-time home buyers. Economic growth then accelerated during the fourth quarter of 2009, as the advance estimate for GDP growth was 5.7%. The Commerce Department cited a slower drawdown in business inventories and consumer spending as contributing factors spurring the economy’s higher growth rate.

Even before GDP advanced in the third quarter, there were signs that the economy was starting to regain its footing. The manufacturing sector, as measured by the Institute for Supply Management’s PMIv, rose to 52.9 in August 2009, the first time it surpassed 50 since January 2008 (a reading below 50 indicates a contraction, whereas a reading above 50 indicates an expansion). PMI data subsequently showed that manufacturing expanded from September through December as well. In addition, December’s PMI reading of 55.9 was the highest since April 2006.

There were some mixed signals from the housing market toward the end of the reporting period. According to its most recent data, the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indexvi indicated that month-over-month home prices rose for the sixth straight month in November. However, according to the National Association of Realtors, while existing home sales rose 7.4% in November, sales fell by nearly 17% in December.

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One area that remained weak—and could hamper the magnitude of economic recovery—was the labor market. While monthly job losses have moderated compared to earlier in the year, the unemployment rate remained elevated during the reporting period. After reaching a twenty-six-year high of 10.1% in October 2009, the unemployment rate fell to 10.0% in November and remained unchanged the following month. Since December 2007, the unemployment rate has more than doubled and the number of unemployed workers has risen by more than eight million.

Market Review

Both short- and long-term Treasury yields fluctuated during the reporting period. When the period began, Treasury yields were extremely low, given numerous “flights to quality” that were triggered by the fallout from the financial crisis in 2008. After starting the period at 0.76% and 2.25%, respectively, two- and ten-year Treasury yields then generally moved higher (and their prices lower) until early June. Two- and ten-year yields peaked at 1.42% and 3.98%, respectively, before falling and ending the reporting period at 1.14% and 3.85%, respectively. Over the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, longer-term yields moved higher than their shorter-term counterparts as economic data improved and there were concerns regarding future inflation given the government’s massive stimulus program. In a reversal from 2008, investor risk aversion faded during the twelve-month reporting period, driving spread sector (non-Treasury) prices higher. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Indexvii returned 5.93%.

During the reporting period, there was a shift in terms of expectations for inflation. Fears of inflation had increased in mid-2008 (before the reporting period began). This was, in part, due to sharply rising oil prices, which peaked at $145 a barrel in July 2008. Fears of inflation were then replaced with fears of deflation, as global economic conditions weakened and the financial crisis took hold in the fall of 2008. By the end of 2008, oil prices had fallen to $45 a barrel as demand waned and oil reserves moved higher. While inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”)viii, was 2.7% during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2009, there were fears of higher inflation in the future. This was due to central banks’ accommodative monetary policies, signs that the global economy was recovering and rising oil prices, which hit $79 a barrel in December 2009. Inflation expectations led to increased demand for U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (“TIPS”)ix, and the Barclays Capital Global Real Index: U.S. TIPSx gained 11.41% during the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.

The investment grade bond market generated solid results during the reporting period. Spreads on these securities had moved to extremely wide levels in late 2008, as the weakening economy and credit crunch triggered fears of escalating default rates. Investment grade bond spreads then significantly narrowed in 2009, as the economic environment improved and corporate profits were often better than expected. All told, the investment grade bond asset class, as measured by the Barclays Capital U.S. Credit Indexxi, returned 16.04% during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2009.

In the mortgage-backed securities market, both agency and non-agency issues did well during the year. Agencies were supported by the government’s purchase programs of these securities as they sought to keep long-term interest rates low in an attempt to revive the housing market. The non-agency sector improved, particularly later in the year, as housing data stabilized and there was positive sentiment surrounding the launch of the Public-Private Investment Program (“PPIP”).

The high-yield bond market produced very strong results during the twelve months ended December 31, 2009. In sharp contrast to its poor results in 2008, the asset class posted positive returns during eleven of the twelve months of the reporting period. This strong rally was due to a variety of factors, including the unfreezing of the credit markets, improving economic data and strong investor demand. All told, the Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Indexxii returned 58.76% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.

Emerging market debt prices rallied sharply—posting positive returns during every month but February of 2009. This rally was triggered by rising commodity prices, optimism that the worst of the global recession was over and increased investor risk appetite. Over the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (“EMBI Global”)xiii returned 28.18%.

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Investment Commentary (unaudited)—Continued

Market Outlook

Some economists have floated the notion of a double-dip economic recession because of the expiration of various fiscal and monetary stimulus programs. However, we believe this economic phenomenon seems unlikely. As long as the Fed maintains the current low rate environment, which we believe it will, access to credit should remain sufficient. Given the elevated levels of unemployment, the recent dip in jobless claims is a positive sign that the labor market is stabilizing. The financial market is focused on consumer spending, but we believe more sustained gains in capital expenditures and exports will be key to the U.S. recovery.

We believe that the Fed is likely to keep the federal funds rate anchored at 0 to 1/4 percent in the near future. A large concern the Fed now faces is excess bank reserves. Government support from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) and the Fed’s various special liquidity programs helped banks restore their balance sheets, but banks then held on to reserves in excess of their capital requirements. As the recovery accelerates, banks may quickly reduce these excess reserves by extending credit. We believe increased lending should stimulate economic activity but, in doing so, might also contribute to inflationary pressures. Therefore, as the Fed manages the level of bank reserves, in our opinion, it must be careful not to inhibit economic growth and increase inflation. As long as the economic recovery is still in its infancy, we believe the Fed should continue its current policies.

Although the labor market is stabilizing, the declining trend in jobless claims reflects a drop-off in layoffs rather than an increase in hires. For unemployment to truly decline, we will need to see specific types of job growth. We believe the source of new job growth will probably have to come from the service sector, as the housing market remains weak and is unlikely to contribute significant new jobs any time soon. The recent increase in industrial production and capacity utilization indicates that factory-related jobs could increase in the coming year.

Despite an uptick in consumer spending in November, most likely due to the holidays, we think consumers will likely continue to demonstrate a more conservative mindset with increased savings and less consumption. Businesses, especially those that are export-oriented, should benefit from a lower U.S. dollar and increased future spending. Corporate profits in the fourth quarter of 2009 showed improvement, leading to a better outlook for the business sector compared to a year ago. Therefore, we think that businesses, rather than consumers, are likely to be the primary contributors to future economic growth. Considering current Fed policies, the likelihood of moderate inflation in the months ahead, a stabilizing labor market and an improved business climate, we find fears of a double-dip recession to be exaggerated.

Western Asset Management Company

January 29, 2010

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The views expressed in this commentary reflect those solely of Western Asset Management Company’s Investment Advisory Team as of the date of this commentary and may differ from those of Legg Mason, Inc. as a whole or from the other portfolio managers of its affiliates. Any such views are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions, and Western Asset Premier Bond Fund (the “Fund”) and Western Asset Management Company disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or advice. Because investment decisions for the Fund are based on numerous factors, these views may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of the Fund or any Legg Mason fund. Forecasts are inherently limited and should not be relied upon as an indicator of future results or used as the basis for investment decisions. The information contained herein has been prepared from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by the Fund or Western Asset Management Company as to its accuracy or completeness.

All investments are subject to risk including loss of principal. All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.

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Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance

Performance Review

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, Western Asset Premier Bond Fund returned 60.98% based on its net asset value (“NAV”)i and 68.84% based on its New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) market price per share. The Fund’s unmanaged benchmarks, the Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate High Yield Indexii and the Barclays Capital U.S. Credit Indexiii, returned 58.21% and 16.04%, respectively, over the same time frame. The Lipper Corporate Debt Closed-End Funds BBB-Rated Category Averageiv returned 28.22% for the same period. Please note that Lipper performance returns are based on each fund’s NAV.

During the twelve-month period, the Fund made distributions to shareholders totaling $1.28 per share. The performance table shows the Fund’s twelve-month total return based on its NAV and market price as of December 31, 2009. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT as of December 31, 2009

All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results.

*  Total returns are based on changes in NAV or market price, respectively. Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions in additional shares.

The largest contributor to the Fund’s performance for the period was its exposure to the high-yield sector, particularly in Consumer Cyclicals1, Communications2 and Consumer Noncyclicals3. The Fund’s best performing high-yield holding was Ford Motor Credit Co., as its spread tightened from its elevated level in 2008 and early 2009. Our exposure to investment grade bonds was also rewarded. In particular, our Airlines holdings, including Continental Airlines Inc., Northwest Airlines and American West Airlines Inc., boosted the Fund’s return.

Our exposure to non-agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) was another meaningful contributor to performance. The asset class generated strong results as liquidity improved in the market due to the positive sentiment surrounding the launch of the Public-Private Investment Program (“PPIP”). In addition, investors were attracted to this area of the market given signs of improvement in housing data. The use of leverage was also beneficial, as it served to magnify the Fund’s positive underlying returns and helped to generate additional income.

Marginally offsetting these strong results were several corporate holdings whose issuers filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009. These included Georgia Gulf Corp., a North American polyvinyl chloride producer, and Nortek Inc., a manufacturer of residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning and other home-related products. Georgia Gulf’s use of leverage was too high and unsustainable given the weakness in the economy. Nortek was negatively impacted by the weak economy and the downturn in the housing market.

We made several adjustments to the portfolio during the twelve-month reporting period. We added to the portfolio’s exposure to non-agency MBS as we found them to be attractively valued. In contrast, we reduced our exposure to investment grade bonds given the substantial narrowing of their spreads.

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Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance—Continued

During the reporting period, the Fund held credit default swaps to gain exposure to select individual high-yield companies and the overall high-yield market. In addition, the swaps we held during the period allowed us to gain exposure to the subprime component of the non-agency MBS market. Within the residential MBS market, swaps were also utilized to hedge our exposure to individual non-agency MBS. Overall, the use of these derivative instruments detracted from performance.

Western Asset Management Company

January 19, 2010

The information provided is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Views expressed may differ from those of the firm as a whole.

Portfolio holdings and breakdowns are as of December 31, 2009 and are subject to change and may not be representative of the portfolio managers’ current or future investments. Please refer to pages 7 through 27 for a list and percentage breakdown of the Fund’s holdings.

The mention of sector breakdowns is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. The information provided regarding such sectors is not a sufficient basis upon which to make an investment decision. Investors seeking financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or investment strategies discussed should consult their financial professional. The Fund’s top five sector holdings (as a percentage of net assets) as of December 31, 2009 were: Corporate Bonds and Notes (64.3%), Mortgage-Backed Securities (36.0%), Asset-Backed Securities (26.3%), Yankee Bonds (7.4%) and Repurchase Agreement (4.5%). The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.

RISKS: Bonds are subject to a variety of risks, including interest rate, credit and inflation risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall, reducing the value of a fixed-income investment’s price. The Fund may invest in high-yield bonds, which are rated below investment grade and carry more risk than higher-rated securities. To the extent that the Fund invests in asset-backed, mortgage-backed or mortgage-related securities, its exposure to prepayment and extension risks may be greater than investments in other fixed-income securities.

All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.

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Fund Highlights

The Fund

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund (“WEA” or the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company which seeks to provide current income and capital appreciation for its shareholders by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment grade bonds. Substantially all of the Fund’s net investment income (after payment of dividends to holders of preferred shares and interest in connection with other forms of leverage (if applicable)) is distributed to the Fund’s common shareholders. A Dividend Reinvestment Plan is available to those common shareholders of record desiring it. The Fund’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) where they trade under the symbol WEA.

Investment Policies

Each limitation below applies only at the time a transaction is entered into. Any subsequent change in a rating assigned to a security, or change in the percentage of the Fund’s assets invested in certain securities or other instruments, resulting from market fluctuations or other changes in the Fund’s total assets, will not require the Fund to dispose of an investment.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects to:

·  Invest substantially all (but at least 80%) of its total managed assets (the total assets of the Fund, including any assets attributable to leverage, less accrued liabilities) in bonds, including corporate bonds, U.S. government and agency securities and mortgage related securities.

·  Invest at least 65% of its total managed assets in bonds that at the time of investment are investment grade quality. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total managed assets in bonds of below investment grade quality.

The Fund may invest in securities or instruments other than bonds (including preferred stock) and may invest up to 10% of its total managed assets in instruments denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

The Fund and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company LLC (“Agent”), as the Transfer Agent and Registrar of the Fund, offer a convenient way to add shares of the Fund to your account. The Fund offers to all common shareholders a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“Plan”). Under the Plan, cash distributions (e.g., dividends and capital gains) of registered shareholders (those who own shares in their own name on the Fund’s records) on the common shares are automatically invested in shares of the Fund unless the shareholder elects

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Fund Highlights—Continued

otherwise by contacting the Agent at the address set forth below. Shareholders who own shares in a brokerage, bank or other financial institution account must contact the company where their account is held in order to participate in the Plan.

As a participant in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan you will automatically receive your dividend or net capital gains distribution in newly issued shares of the Fund if the market price of a share on the date of the distribution is at or above the NAV of a Fund share, minus estimated brokerage commissions that would be incurred upon the purchase of common shares on the open market. The number of shares to be issued to you will be determined by dividing the amount of the cash distribution to which you are entitled (net of any applicable withholding taxes) by the greater of the NAV per share on such date or 95% of the market price of a share on such date. If the market price of a share on such distribution date is below the NAV, minus estimated brokerage commissions that would be incurred upon the purchase of common shares on the open market, the Agent will, as agent for the participants, buy shares of the Fund through a broker on the open market. The price per share of shares purchased for each participant’s account with respect to a particular dividend or other distribution will be the average price (including brokerage commissions, transfer taxes and any other costs of purchase) of all shares purchased with respect to that dividend or other distribution. All common shares acquired on your behalf through the Plan will be automatically credited to an account maintained on the books of the Agent. Full and fractional shares will be voted by the Agent in accordance with your instructions.

Additional Information Regarding the Plan

The Fund will pay all costs applicable to the Plan, except for brokerage commissions for open market purchases by the Agent under the Plan, which will be charged to participants. All shares acquired through the Plan receive voting rights and are eligible for any stock split, stock dividend, or other rights accruing to shareholders that the Board of Trustees may declare.

Registered shareholder may terminate participation in the Plan at any time by giving notice to the Agent. Such termination will be effective prior to the record date next succeeding the receipt of such instructions or by a later date of termination specified in such instructions. Upon termination, a participant will receive a certificate for the full shares credited to his or her account or may request the sale of all or part of such shares. Fractional shares credited to a terminating account will be paid for in cash at the current market price at the time of termination. Shareholders who own shares in a brokerage, bank or other financial institution account must contact the company where their account is held in order to terminate participation in the Plan.

Dividends and other distributions invested in additional shares under the Plan are subject to income tax just as if they had been received in cash. After year end, dividends paid on the accumulated shares will be included in the Form 1099-DIV information return to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and only one Form 1099-DIV will be sent to participants each year.

Inquiries regarding the Plan, as well as notices of termination, should be directed to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company LLC, 59 Maiden Lane, New York, NY, 10038. Investor Relations Telephone number 1-888-888-0151.

Annual Certifications

In May 2009, the Fund submitted its annual Chief Executive Officer certification to the NYSE in which the Fund’s principal executive officer certified that he was not aware, as of the date of the certification, of any violation by the Fund of the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards. In addition, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Fund’s principal executive and principal financial officers have made quarterly certifications, included in filings with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q, relating to, among other things, the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.

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Quarterly Comparison of Market Price and Net Asset Value (“NAV”), Discount or Premium to NAV and Average Daily Volume of Shares Traded

Looking for Additional Information?

The Fund is traded under the symbol “WEA” and its closing market price is available in most newspapers under the NYSE listings. The daily NAV is available on-line under the symbol “XWEAX” on most financial websites. Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal’s Monday edition both carry closed-end fund tables that provide additional information. In addition, the Fund issues a quarterly press release that can be found on most major financial websites, as well as www.leggmason.com/cef.

In a continuing effort to provide information concerning the Fund, shareholders may call 1-888-777-0102 (toll free), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, for the Fund’s current NAV, market price and other information.

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Portfolio Diversification

December 31, 2009A

The pie and bar charts above represent the composition of the Fund’s portfolio as of December 31, 2009 and do not include derivatives such as Futures Contracts, Options Written and Credit Default Swaps.

A The Fund is actively managed. As a result, the composition of its portfolio holdings and sectors is subject to change at any time.

B Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services provides capital markets with credit ratings for the evaluation and assessment of credit risk.

C Yankee Bond—A dollar-denominated bond issued in the U.S. by foreign entities.

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Portfolio of Investments

December 31, 2009

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund

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Portfolio of Investments—Continued

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund—Continued

8

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Portfolio of Investments—Continued

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund—Continued