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Blondie (band)

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Blondie
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1974 in New York City, United States
FounderDebbie Harry, Chris Stein
Headquarters
New York City
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, singles, live performances

Blondie is a rock group from the United States, established in New York City in 1974 by vocalist Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. They were trailblazers in the American new wave movement during the mid-1970s.

Their initial two albums prominently featured punk influences. Although their early work was primarily underground within the US, Blondie broke into the mainstream with their third release, Parallel Lines (1978). Over the following two years, they produced several chart-topping singles such as "Heart of Glass" (which reached No. 1 in the US), "One Way or Another", "Call Me" (US No. 1), "Atomic", "The Tide Is High" (US No. 1), and "Rapture" (US No. 1). The band became renowned for their fusion of styles including disco, pop, reggae, funk, and early forms of hip hop music.

Following their sixth studio album, The Hunter in 1982, Blondie disbanded. Debbie Harry embarked on a solo career before the group reunited in 1997. They achieved renewed commercial acclaim with the UK chart-topping single "Maria" in 1999, marking two decades since their initial UK number one.

Having toured worldwide, Blondie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. With over 40 million records sold globally, they remain active performers. Their eleventh studio album, Pollinator, was released on May 5, 2017.

1974–1978: Early career

Motivated by the burgeoning music scene at Manhattan’s Mercer Arts Center, guitarist Chris Stein joined the Stillettoes in 1973 and developed a partnership with singer Debbie Harry, who had previously worked as a waitress and Playboy Bunny. In July 1974, Stein and Harry departed from the Stillettoes along with former members Billy O'Connor (drums) and Fred Smith (bass) to establish a new ensemble. Initially named Angel and the Snake, they adopted the name Blondie by October 1974 after adding guitarist Ivan Kral. The band's name was inspired by truck drivers calling out "Hey, Blondie" to Harry.

By spring 1975, O'Connor had left music altogether while Smith joined Television; Kral later became part of the Patti Smith Group. Stein and Harry persevered by bringing in drummer Clem Burke and bassist Gary Valentine. Blondie became fixtures at venues like Max's Kansas City and CBGB. Their first demo was recorded with producer Alan Betrock in June 1975; keyboardist Jimmy Destri joined later that November. After signing with Private Stock Records, they released their debut single "X-Offender" in June 1976 followed by their self-titled album in December of that year. Though neither initially charted successfully, the band toured extensively alongside Television and also performed in the UK.

Blondie secured opening slots for David Bowie and Iggy Pop during their 1977 US tour promoting The Idiot album after Bowie and Pop discovered their debut work. In July 1977, Valentine exited to form the Know; Frank Infante replaced him on bass. By September 1977, Blondie reacquired their contract from Private Stock and signed with British label Chrysalis Records, which reissued their debut album that October. Rolling Stone highlighted its diverse sound and Debbie Harry’s compelling image.

Their first commercial breakthrough occurred in Australia in 1977 when the music program Countdown accidentally aired the B-side "In the Flesh" instead of "X-Offender." This track climbed to number two on Australian charts, pushing the album into the top twenty there. A subsequent double-A side release featuring "X-Offender" and "Rip Her to Shreds" reached number 81. Despite a canceled Brisbane show due to Harry’s illness, their Australian tour was successful.

In February 1978, Blondie launched their second album, Plastic Letters, which peaked at number 10 in the UK, number 78 in the US, and number 64 in Australia. Created as a four-piece with Infante acting as session bassist (credited for bass and rhythm guitar), Stein handled lead guitar duties along with bass, e-bow, and vibes contributions. Chrysalis vigorously promoted the record across Europe and Asia. The lead single "Denis," a rendition of Randy and the Rainbows’ 1963 hit "Denise," reached number two on UK charts; both this album and its follow-up single "(I'm Always Touched by Your) Presence, Dear" entered the UK top ten. A triumphant UK tour including a performance at The Roundhouse established Blondie among the earliest American new wave bands to gain mainstream success there. Subsequently, Infante became an official guitarist member while Nigel Harrison was recruited as bassist, expanding Blondie to a six-piece lineup that brought stability to the group’s personnel.

1978–1981: Achieving Mainstream Recognition

During the summer of 1978, Blondie finalized their third studio album, Parallel Lines, collaborating with Australian producer Mike Chapman. Upon its release in September, the album secured the top position on the UK charts, climbed to number six in the United States, and reached number two in Australia. This record marked the band's breakthrough into the American market, propelled by the international success of the single "Heart of Glass". Parallel Lines stands as their most commercially successful album, with global sales totaling 20 million copies. The initial singles from the album included "Picture This", which peaked at number 12 in the UK, and "Hanging on the Telephone", reaching number five on the UK charts. Chrysalis Records initially selected their rendition of Buddy Holly's "I'm Gonna Love You Too" as the lead single in the US, but it failed to make an impact on the charts.

Early in 1979, "Heart of Glass" ascended to number one in both the UK (February) and US (April). The track featured a disco influence and was a reimagined version of an earlier rock-reggae composition, enhanced with synthesizer and keyboard elements inspired by Kraftwerk and the Bee Gees' hit "Stayin' Alive". Despite some backlash over its disco style, it emerged as one of the best-selling singles of 1979. During this period, Debbie Harry gained prominence as a public figure and ventured into acting, appearing in the film The Foreigner.

In the United States, the follow-up single was the rock-oriented "One Way or Another", which reached number 24 on the charts. Conversely, in the UK, "Sunday Girl" was favored and achieved number one status. Parallel Lines is ranked 140th on Rolling Stone's list of greatest albums. Blondie also graced the cover of Rolling Stone’s June 1979 issue, captured by photographer Annie Leibovitz. That summer, they reunited with Chapman to begin work on their next album.

The band's fourth studio effort, Eat to the Beat, released in September 1979, topped UK charts and attained positions seventeen and nine in the US and Australia respectively. While receiving favorable critical reception, its commercial performance in America was modest. The album yielded three UK top 20 singles including "Atomic", which reached number one in the UK and number thirty-nine in the US, as well as "Dreaming", which peaked at number two in the UK. The second single released was "Union City Blue", inspired by Harry’s time living near Manhattan and her role in a film; it reached number thirteen in the UK but was not issued as a single in America—where "The Hardest Part" was promoted instead. Chrysalis Records engaged Jon Roseman Productions to produce an innovative video album directed by David Mallet, earning a Grammy nomination during the inaugural year that music videos were honored. Additionally, a live performance recorded at Glasgow’s Apollo was broadcast on BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test. In March 1980, "Atomic" topped UK charts once again and Eat to the Beat achieved gold certification.

In February 1980, Blondie released "Call Me", a Grammy-nominated track produced by Italian composer Giorgio Moroder for Richard Gere’s film American Gigolo. The song dominated charts for six consecutive weeks in both the US and Canada and also secured number one in the UK. Billboard named it their top pop single of 1980. That summer, Blondie made a brief appearance in Roadie, performing "Ring of Fire", which featured on that film's soundtrack and later appeared on a reissue of Eat to the Beat.

Their fifth studio album, Autoamerican, arrived in November 1980 with Chapman again producing. It reached number three in the UK charts, seven in the US, and eight in Australia. The album included two chart-topping singles in America: "The Tide Is High", a reggae-influenced cover originally by The Paragons, and "Rapture", notable for being the first rap song to reach number one on US charts. The latter referenced hip hop artist Fab Five Freddy, who also appeared in its music video. Autoamerican showcased an expanded range of styles including avant-garde instrumentals and jazz influences and achieved platinum certification both stateside and across the Atlantic.

Throughout 1981, Blondie scaled back most group activities. In February, Debbie Harry hosted and performed on Saturday Night Live alongside Stein and Burke. That year saw solo projects from Harry and Destri; Stein contributed to Harry's solo album KooKoo, produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards—which reached number six in the UK and twenty-eight in the US—and collaborated with Burke on Destri's album Heart on a Wall. Burke also participated in Eurythmics' debut record In The Garden. Meanwhile, Harry, Stein, and Destri worked together composing music for John Waters' film Polyester. In October 1981, Chrysalis Records released The Best of Blondie, which climbed to number four in the UK charts, thirty in America, and claimed number one spot in Australia.

1982: The Hunter and dissolution

In December 1981, the group came back together to record The Hunter, which was released in May 1982, reaching number nine in the UK, number thirty-three in the US, and number fifteen in Australia. Initially, Infante was left out due to internal disputes but was reinstated following legal proceedings; nevertheless, Harry noted his input on the album was limited.

The Hunter did not achieve the commercial or critical success of their previous works. It yielded two moderate charting singles: "Island of Lost Souls" (peaking at UK number 11 and US number 37) and "War Child" (UK number 39). The album also featured "For Your Eyes Only," a song originally commissioned for the 1981 James Bond film but ultimately replaced by Sheena Easton's rendition.

In June 1982, Harry lent backing vocals to the Gun Club’s sophomore album, Miami, which Stein produced while also contributing instrumentally and artistically. Jeffrey Lee Pierce, the Gun Club's lead singer, was inspired by Blondie and founded the West Coast Blondie Fan Club prior to collaborating with them.

For the North American tour in July–August 1982 promoting The Hunter, Infante was substituted by session guitarist Eddie Martinez. The touring ensemble expanded to include a second keyboardist, Abel Domingues, as well as a three-piece horn section. Plans for a UK and European tour were scrapped due to disappointing ticket sales.

Blondie officially disbanded in November 1982. In 1983, Stein was diagnosed with pemphigus, with Harry providing care during his illness. Meanwhile, Harry embarked on a solo career in the mid-1980s, releasing singles such as "Rush Rush" (1983) from Scarface and "Feel The Spin" (1985), alongside acting ventures. Her 1986 solo album Rockbird, which involved Stein's participation, saw moderate success in the UK and included a top ten single with "French Kissin'". Drummer Burke became a highly sought-after session musician working with acts like Eurythmics, while Destri focused on production and studio work.

In 1988, a remix compilation titled Once More into the Bleach combined Blondie hits with Harry’s solo material. She continued releasing solo albums such as Def, Dumb and Blonde (1989) and Debravation (1993), while maintaining an active touring schedule. Compilation releases like The Complete Picture achieved chart success in the UK in 1991. Throughout the 1990s, additional rarities and remix collections appeared, including Blond and Beyond (1993), The Platinum Collection (1994), Beautiful: The Remix Album (1995), as well as the live recording Picture This Live (1997).

1997–2007: Reunion, No Exit, and The Curse of Blondie

During the 1990s, Blondie's earlier catalog experienced renewed appreciation among a younger audience and influenced contemporary bands like Garbage and No Doubt. Chrysalis/EMI Records issued various compilations and remixed versions of their popular tracks. Debbie Harry sustained her solo career with albums released in 1989 and 1993, keeping Blondie's presence alive. In 1990, she reunited with Stein and Burke for a summer tour that included supporting acts such as Tom Tom Club and the Ramones.

By 1996, Stein and Harry spearheaded Blondie's reformation by reaching out to original members Burke, Destri, and Valentine—who had relocated to London pursuing writing under Gary Lachman. Although Nigel Harrison and Frank Infante were considered for inclusion, they were ultimately excluded; both unsuccessfully attempted legal action to prevent use of the Blondie name.

The original five-piece regrouped in 1997 with Valentine returning on bass for performances at radio-sponsored outdoor festivals including Washington D.C.’s HFStival. They embarked on an international tour throughout 1998–99. After Valentine’s departure, the group recorded a cover of Iggy Pop’s "Ordinary Bummer" under the alias "Adolph's Dog" for a tribute compilation.

Released in 1999, No Exit reached number three in the UK and eighteen in the US charts. The lineup consisted of core members Harry, Stein, Burke, and Destri; Valentine had left prior to recording. Two songs credited to "Valentine" were actually co-written by Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go's. Session musicians Leigh Foxx (bass) and Paul Carbonara (guitar) supported the band during this period. The single "Maria" became their sixth UK number one hit, making Blondie one of only two American bands to achieve UK chart-toppers across three decades: the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.

Their next release, The Curse of Blondie (2003), charted at UK number thirty-six and US number one hundred sixty—their lowest since their debut—but included the UK top-20 single "Good Boys." In 2004 Jimmy Destri departed to confront drug dependency issues; despite recovering later on, he was neither invited back nor involved with subsequent projects including their 2011 album Panic Of Girls.

In 2005 Blondie issued Greatest Hits: Sight + Sound, which peaked at number forty-eight on UK charts. The band co-headlined the Road Rage Tour in 2006 alongside the New Cars, releasing a cover of Roxy Music's "More than This" as promotional material for the tour.

2008–2012: Parallel Lines 30th Anniversary Tour and Panic of Girls

Blondie kicked off a global tour on June 5, 2008, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Parallel Lines with their opening show at Ram's Head Live in Baltimore, Maryland. The itinerary covered cities across the Eastern and Midwestern United States in June before moving internationally to destinations including Israel, the United Kingdom, Russia, Europe, and Scandinavia, wrapping up on August 4 in Copenhagen. Encouraged by the enthusiastic turnout, band members Burke and Carbonara announced progress on a new album—the first since 2003’s The Curse of Blondie. Carbonara characterized this project as "a genuine Blondie record."

During the summer of 2009, Blondie toured North America alongside Pat Benatar and the Donnas. Recording sessions for their ninth studio album commenced in October with producer Jeff Saltzman in Woodstock, New York. After more than ten years as touring musicians, Foxx (bass) and Carbonara (guitar) were officially inducted as full members, joining keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen to establish Blondie as a six-piece ensemble.

In December 2009, the band released the holiday-themed single "We Three Kings". The upcoming album, named Panic of Girls, was undergoing mixing and featured cover artwork by Dutch artist Chris Berens. In April 2010, Carbonara amicably exited the group and was succeeded by guitarist Tommy Kessler; both guitarists are credited on the completed album.

June 2010 saw Blondie embark on the "Endangered Species Tour" throughout the UK and Ireland, supported by Little Fish. Their setlist blended timeless hits with fresh tracks from Panic of Girls. After a break in July, the tour resumed through August across the United States and Canada for six weeks before co-headlining with the Pretenders in Australia and New Zealand from November to December.

Originally planned for an exclusive December 2010 release via Sony Australia, Panic of Girls encountered delays following Sony’s withdrawal. Ultimately, it was issued independently in mid-2011. A limited edition UK "fan pack" was released in May 2011, including a 132-page magazine and various collectibles, followed by a standard CD release later that summer. The lead single "Mother" was distributed as a complimentary download prior to the album launch; its music video debuted on May 18, 2011, directed by Laurent Rejto and featuring cameo appearances such as Kate Pierson from the B-52's. A second single titled "What I Heard" was digitally released in July 2011.

On August 20, 2011, Blondie appeared live on "Guitar Center Sessions" broadcast via DirecTV with an interview conducted by host Nic Harcourt. The band kept an active touring presence into 2012. Notably, a New York City concert was streamed live on YouTube on October 11, 2012. That same week, three unreleased tracks from the Panic of Girls recording sessions—"Bride of Infinity," "Rock On," and "Dead Air"—were offered as free downloads through Amazon.com (US) and the band’s UK website. Another track titled "Practice Makes Perfect" followed as a free download in November 2012.

2013–2023: Ghosts of Download and Pollinator

On March 20, 2013, Harry and Stein revealed during a WNYC Soundcheck interview that work had begun on a new Blondie album, previewing the track "Make a Way". In mid-2013, Blondie toured Europe on their "Blast Off Tour," followed by the US-based "No Principals Tour." The first single "A Rose by Any Name" was digitally released across Europe in June 2013; later that year in December, "Sugar on the Side" was issued in the United States.

The album Ghosts of Download debuted in May 2014 as part of the two-disc compilation Blondie 4(0) Ever, commemorating Blondie's four decades together. This package included Greatest Hits Deluxe Redux, featuring newly recorded versions of earlier singles. To celebrate their milestone anniversary, the band launched an international tour beginning February 2014.

Blondie filmed a concert for PBS’s Soundstage, scheduled to air in 2016; this performance showcased new songs such as "My Monster" and "Gravity". In 2015, Harry and Stein collaborated with the Gregory Brothers in a viral YouTube parody centered on the 2016 US presidential debates.

In January 2017, Blondie opened for Phil Collins at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and co-headlined an Australia/New Zealand tour alongside Cyndi Lauper. Their eleventh studio album, Pollinator, was announced in March 2017 and released on May 5. Recorded at The Magic Shop studio in SoHo, New York City, it featured collaborations with artists including David Sitek, Johnny Marr, Sia, Charli XCX, and Dev Hynes. The album produced popular singles "Fun" and "Long Time", supported by tours spanning North America, South America, and Europe. It reached number four on UK charts—Blondie's highest charting studio album since No Exit.

On December 21, 2019, Blondie announced their EP and accompanying mini-documentary titled Vivir en La Habana, which captured performances during their March 2019 residency in Havana, Cuba. Guitar overdubs were added afterward by Stein. In October 2020, Harry and Stein appeared in Schmoyoho’s parody of the US vice presidential debates held that year.

Blondie revealed plans for a ten-date UK arena tour scheduled for November 2021 with Garbage as opening act; however, it was postponed until April 2022 due to COVID-19 concerns. Garbage was replaced by Johnny Marr as support; additional dates were added across the United States. Prior to touring commencement, Stein withdrew due to fatigue linked to atrial fibrillation and was substituted by Andee Blacksugar. Bassist Foxx missed the tour because of injury; Glen Matlock from Sex Pistols stepped in both for live shows and recording sessions for Blondie's forthcoming album.

In April 2023, Blondie performed at the 22nd Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

2024–present Twelfth studio album in development, High Noon

During a June 2024 interview on BBC Radio 6 Music, Harry and Stein revealed plans for Blondie's twelfth studio album, targeted for release in Spring 2025. On November 6, 2024, Stein along with the band's official social media accounts posted photos from the studio showing Harry, accompanied by the caption "Whatever. Blondie album next year. Alea iacta est." The album has yet to be released.

Drummer Clem Burke, who had been with Blondie for five decades, passed away from cancer on April 6, 2025.

On August 19, 2025, the band officially announced that High Noon would be released in spring 2026, incorporating drum tracks recorded by Burke before his passing.

Musical style and impact

By the time of their 1982 disbandment, Blondie had produced six studio albums that showcased a consistent progression in musical style. Famous for Debbie Harry's unique vocal tone and charismatic stage presence, the group evolved from punk origins into genres including new wave, power pop, dance-rock, disco, pop, rap, and reggae. According to The New York Times, Blondie’s updated girl-group aesthetic served as a model for many female-led bands. Having sold over 40 million records worldwide, they rank among the top-selling acts from the punk era.

In March 2006, Blondie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The event included seven members; however, tension arose when former member Infante requested to perform live with the ensemble—a proposal declined by Harry due to prior rehearsals. Subsequently, on May 22, 2006, Blondie was also honored with induction into Hollywood’s Rock Walk of Fame at Guitar Center on Sunset Boulevard.

Band members

Current

  • Debbie Harry – lead vocals (1974–1982, 1997–present)
  • Chris Stein – guitar, bass (1974–1982, 1997–present; not touring since 2019)
  • Leigh Foxx – bass (2009–present; touring: 1997–2009; not touring since 2022)
  • Matt Katz-Bohen – keyboards, backing vocals, guitar (2009–present; touring 2004–2009)
  • Tommy Kessler – guitar, backing vocals (2010–present)

Touring

  • Jimi K Bones – guitar (2003)
  • Kevin Patrick – keyboards, backing vocals (2003–2007)
  • Andee Blacksugar – guitar, backing vocals (2021–present)
  • Glen Matlock – bass (2022–present)

Former

  • Fred Smith – bass (1974–1975)
  • Billy O'Connor – drums (1974–1975; died 2015)
  • Ivan Kral – guitar (1974; died 2020)
  • Clem Burke – drums, percussion (1975–1982, 1997–2025; deceased)
  • Gary Valentine – bass, guitar (1975–1977, 1997)
  • Jimmy Destri – keyboards, backing vocals (1975–1982, 1997–2004)
  • Frank Infante – guitar, backing vocals (1977–1982), bass (1977–1978)
  • Nigel Harrison – bass (1978–1982, 1997)
  • Paul Carbonara – guitar, backing vocals (2009–2010; touring 1997–2009)

Discography

Studio albums

Headlining

Co-headlining

Awards and nominations

  • 1980 – Won the Juno Award for Best Selling Single for "Heart of Glass"
  • 1981 – Received a Grammy nomination for "Call Me"
  • 1980 – Nominated for the Juno Award for International Single of the Year with "The Tide Is High"
  • 1982 – Earned a Grammy nomination for Video of the Year for "Eat To The Beat"
  • 1998 – Awarded the Q Inspiration Award at the Q Music Awards
  • 2006 – Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • 2014 – Honored with the NME Godlike Genius Award
  • 2016 – Received both the Q Inspiration Award and Grammy Hall of Fame induction for "Heart of Glass"
  • 2022 – Won the BBC Longshots Audience Award for Blondie: Vivir en la Habana
  • 2023 – Nominated for a Grammy in Best Historical Album category for Against the Odds: 1974–1982
  • 2023 – Candidate for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

See also

External links

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