The day Blondie took the stage
When a new band takes the stage for the first time, somewhere in the back of their collective mind there’s probably the thought, “Is this really going to last?”
When Blondie first took the stage as a band at the famed CBGB’s on this date, October 12, 1974, it’s likely some who heard them that night had no doubt they would be around for a while.
Founded by guitarist Chris Stein and former Playboy Bunny Deborah Harry, Blondie became of the most original and groundbreaking bands of the punk and new wave music scene.
Teaming up with drummer Billy O’Connor and bassist Fred Smith, in July of 1974, Stein and Harry formed the band Angel and the Snake. After only the shows, they renamed themselves Blondie, a name they derived from a trucker who catcalled “Hey, Blondie,” in reference to Harry. The band became a staple at CBGB’s.
NEW YORK – MARCH 14: People stand outside of the rock club CBGB March 14, 2005 in New York City. CBGB, the legendary punk rock club which helped launch bands such as Blondie and the Ramones, faces closure if it does not resolve a dispute over unpaid rent with the homeless charity that owns the building. CBGB, which stands for "country, bluegrass and blues" rents its downtown space from the Bowery Residents’ Committee, a nonprofit organization that runs a homeless shelter above the music venue. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The band put out an album in late 1976 and found success in Australia. That lead to a second album in 1978 which did well in Europe, but it was their third album release, later that same year, which broke the band in America. The single “Heart of Glass,” released in early 1979, became a worldwide sensation.
Through the years Blondie has experienced their share or public spats and break-ups. But, to this day, they’re are still knocking around new music and new projects. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
With any luck, Blondie will give us one last tour before they retire for good.
Happy anniversary, Blondie.
