Genre

May 2006 – No. 148

Page 23

BLONDIEAMBITION
THINK MADONNA WAS THE FIRST WHITE GIRL TO RAP? THINK AGAIN…

It’s been about 30 years since Blondie shocked the world of pop music by being the first to mix punk with disco, hip hop and anything else they fancied, pioneering pop music as it stands today. Not to mention giving the world one of the sexiest, most stylish, and well, let’s just say it, fiercest divas ever known to gay men, Miss Debbie Harry. Back with Sound and Vision – a new music and DVD greatest hits compilation – a summer tour, and a coveted spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the legendary band took the time out for a wee, gay chat. – Matt Bell

Why did Blondie get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Debbie Harry: We did some pretty inventive things and we sort of broke some ground. Our music has stood the test of time.
Clem Burke: I think we pushed music along a little bit.

On Sound and Vision, you guys include a mash-up of The Doors’ “Riders on the Storm” and “Rapture.” How did that happen?
DH: This guy Mark Vidler came up with it and put it on the Internet. It seemed to attract a lot of attention and we liked it, so the record company went with it.

What can we expect on the tour this year?
DH: We have a couple of fresh arrangements. We brought back “In The Flesh” and have given it a completely different attitude. We are going to try to do a fresh approach on “Good Boys”, which is on Sound and Vision. We also usually add cover songs.

Are there any things you see on the Sound and Vision DVD that you laugh at or would do differently?
DH: [Laughs] Oh yeah, I mean, I’m super critical of what I did and what I didn’t do. And yes, I think I’ve learned a lot from my mistakes.

Debbie, you’re almost 61! You go, girl! Is the road a bit tougher now than it used to be?
DH: I think, in a way, it’s almost easier now because I know more and there’s not so much stress involved.

We’ve got to ask – your song “One Way Or Another” is in some annoying mop commercial? What do you think of this?
DH: The label licenses that stuff. I think it stinks. It makes me feel like I should carry a mop at all times.