Blondie Interview

Blondie Interview Audra Lowe: Blondie blasted out of the scene at the famed CBGB’s club become one of the greatest pop icons from the 70s. Their first album called Heart of Glass sold over 20 million copies and the group is inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame back in 2006. Well, a new album is in the works for next year and our Eric Sherman from Tenth Street Entertainment put on his Better hat. He’s got an interview with the band at the recording session for A&E’s private sessions. Eric Sherman: When I heard the title, my first question was where the name come from? Chris Stein: The name is in line from one of the songs. Debbie Harry: It was the Panic of Truth. And we said, “Oh, no. It’s the panic of girls”. So I don’t know what he was thinking. I don’t know. Chris Stein: I don’t either. I try like thinking about my kids, maybe because sometimes panic but I try to keep them calm. Eric Sherman: If this really has all the elements of a classic Blondie record. Obviously rock and really great rock, reggae, Spanish, was that your goal setting out to make a classic Blondie record? Debbie Harry: Oh, I don’t know if we want to make a classic one. I mean we just wanted to make a good one. Chris Stein: Yeah, a record. Debbie Harry: And you know sort of follow our usual instincts sort of let go Clem Burke: The time was right. You know we had it on our heads, in the back of our heads but it just -- we -- I felt the interest building up over that period in the early 90s more and more. The music indoor become our legacy, so people are used to hearing Blondie but there was no Blondie to perform. Eric Sherman: If you look at the crowd of the Blondie show these days, it’s truly multi generational. You’ve got -- you know parents and your kids and what do you account for that success across generations? Debbie Harry: I don’t know but we’ve always had that. It’s always been a wide demographic growth. Clem Burke: Well, you know now with the internet, with YouTube and all people are able to see the Blondie that was in the past, the Blondie in the future, so it kind of correlates us together. Eric Sherman: It seems like there are lot of younger female artist that are really carrying on the tradition of strong, powerful women in rock and popular music. Who else besides Gaga do you think is carrying that tradition on today? Debbie Harry: Well, any number of, you know girls -- girl singers. I mean to just show me the charts. Eric Sherman: Did Lady Gaga ask you for advice or was there a good conversation? Debbie Harry: Lady Gaga is one of the most self-composed, intelligent people I’ve met in a long time. I don’t think she needs my help. Eric Sherman: Well, Debbie I have to ask you. You look incredible. What are your secrets? How do you stay -- Debbie Harry: Just quit surgery. Eric Sherman: I saw a thing on YouTube. They said, “Either she gets in plastic surgery or she’s a witch.” Debbie Harry: Probably both and you know. No I can’t explain that. I did have some good surgery. I’m healthy, I work out. I’m blessed, good combination of elements really. Chris Stein: And stays out under the sun. Eric Sherman: Any surprises for the fans when go out on tour this year? Debbie Harry: Yeah. But they’re going to be surprises. Eric Sherman: Like what? Chris Stein: Like what? Debbie Harry: If I tell you, it’s not a surprise. Audra Lowe: And to catch the entire A&E Private Session show with the band you can go to AETV.com. Blondie is also on tour right now. You can find out the days they’re going to be stopping in your city but log in on to bettertv.com.