Blondie was a popular and influential American band that pioneered the New York new wave and punk scenes in the 1970s. The group was founded by singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein in October 1974. They came up with the name Blondie following the shouts of ‘Hey, Blondie’ made by truck drivers as they drove past Debbie Harry.
In December 1976 they released their debut album ‘Blondie’ and then their second album ‘Plastic Letters’ in 1978. However despite both albums being successful in the United Kingdom and Australia they were still largely viewed as an underground band until the release of their third album ‘Parallel Lines’ in 1978. This album contained the hit singles ‘Hanging on the Telephone’, ‘Sunday Girl’ and ‘Heart of Glass’ and was the band’s most successful album selling over 20 million copies globally.
Over the next few years Deborah Harry became well known as the sexy and glamorous face of the band and they continued to produce a score of hits. They became noted for their eclectic mix of musical styles incorporating elements of disco, pop, reggae, and early rap music.
In 1982, after the release of their sixth studio album ‘The Hunter’, Blondie broke up and Debbie Harry embarked on a solo career. However they then reformed in 1997 and toured extensively for the following years. In 2006 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Debbie Harry, Blondie recording Parallel Lines at the Record Plant Studio, New York in 1978
Debbie Harry leaning on Martyn Goddard's tripod with his Nikon FE camera. Shot on a New York rooftop in 1978
Blondie headlined at The Palladium, NYC as part of their 1st U.S. Tour. Robert Gordon and Link Wray opened for them.
Debbie Harry, Blondie, at a photoshoot by Mick Rcko in New York, 1978 to accompany an interview to promote the release of Parallel Lines
Blondie were in London for just one day on their second British Tour playing at The Rainbow Theatre, Finsbury Park.
Studio shoot with Debbie Harry, Blondie, who were regarded as an underground band in the US until the release of 'Parallel Lines' in 1978.
Debbie Harry from Blondie captured at photographer Sheila Rock's flat in Holland Park, London in 1977. Her dress matched with the curtains.
Photo shoot for Telegraph Sunday Magazine used on Parallel Lines picture disc, taken in New York in 1978.
Blondie we on their first European Tour playing at The Roundhouse in March 1978.
Debbie Harry at her home studio in NYC in 1978. Blondie took time off from their busy schedule recording Parallel Lines for this portrait.
Debbie Harry of Blondie on a photo shoot taken by legendary Brian Duffy in London in 1977
Taken on the final night of the Blondie European Tour, a relaxed Debbie Harry awaiting her cue whilst the intro plays to the next song.
Debbie Harry (Blondie) at the Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland, May 1977, kicking off their first UK tour,
Debbie Harry photographed after Blondie's first ever UK gig in May 1977
Limited edition giant vintage badge modelled on the very first pin badge put into production by Better Badge in the UK back in 1977
Debbie Harry of Blondie backstage at the Starwood Club in Los Angeles, USA in April 1978.
Debbie Harry at the Glasgow Apollo, 1977, kicking off their first UK tour supporting American band Television. Blondie were the support act.
In September 1977 Blondie bought back its recording contract with Private Stock Records and signed with British label Chrysalis Records.
Iconic shot of Debbie Harry, Blondie taken by legendary photographer Mick Rock in New York City in 1978
Debbie Harry of Blondie, opening the show at the San Diego Civic Auditorium for Iggy Pop & David Bowie while on their 'Idiot Tour' in 1977.
Debby Harry from Blondie taken in January 1978 while she was in Amsterdam for a concert at the Paradiso
Debbie Harry of Blondie photographed by Jill Furmanovsky at Private Stock Records shortly after their debut album 'Blondie' was re-released.
Contact sheet photograph of Debbie Harry, Blondie recording their classic album Parallel Lines in New York in 1978
Debbie Harry travelling with Blondie on their tour bus to Philadelphia in 1978
Liam Gallagher owning the stage whilst headlining with Oasis at the Glastonbury Festival in 1995
At the 1995 Glastonbury Festival Joe Strummer relaxes behind the scenes
The White Stripes give an electric performance on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2002
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group are one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time.
Thin Lizzy's music reflects a wide range of influences, including blues, soul music, psychedelic rock, and traditional Irish folk music.
Carlos Santana is a Mexican and American musician who first became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana.
The Faces were an English rock band formed in the wake of the Small Faces’ split in 1969, releasing four studio LPs and one live album.
Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
For eight years photographer Brian Duffy worked with David Bowie and shot his most iconic and enduring images. View his fantastic collection
Curated collection of authentic, signed limited edition fine art prints by legendary rock music photographer, Mck Rock
