For nearly half a century, it’s been as much a staple of rock ’n’ roll as mid-song guitar solos, over-the-top, charismatic lead singers, trashed hotel rooms and backstage debauchery. No matter the reason—untimely death, rampant drug and/or alcohol abuse, creative strife, burnout, egos running amok—the breakup has long been a common thread that connects successful rock bands. Another common thread? The inevitable reunion.
Blondie, of course, is among the iconic bands to have ridden this wild roller coaster—albeit with some twists and turns unique to most of their contemporaries. After forming in the U.K. in the mid-1970s, Blondie slowly but steadily rose to prominence behind the undeniable vocals of Debbie Harry and a signature sound that blended elements of punk and new wave, with occasional undercurrents of pop, disco and even early rap.
Their mainstream breakthrough came as the ’70s gave way to the ’80s, thanks to such smash singles as “Call Me,” “Rapture,” “Heart of Glass” and “The Tide Is High.” Alas, top-of-the-charts success was fleeting, and shortly after the release of their sixth studio album in 1982, Blondie pulled the plug and everyone splintered in different directions.
At the time of the split, the prevailing thought among fans and critics was, “That’s OK, they’ll reconcile. Bands always reconcile.” Then one year turned into five, five turned into 10, and it appeared a Blondie separation was permanent.
But just as all hope for a reunion seemed lost, the five founding members regrouped for three live performances in 1997. It would hardly be their last. In fact, Blondie followed up their 15-year hiatus—an eternity in the rock world—with a stunning second act that has lasted two decades and included five more studio albums, hundreds of live performances and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
At a time when most bands from their era have shifted into low gear—if not neutral—Blondie continues to be inspired to not just hit the road on occasion, but to record new music. Which explains Pollinator, the group’s 11th studio work that was released May 5.
To support Pollinator, the six-piece band—which includes founding members Harry, guitarist/bassist Chris Stein and drummer Clem Burke—launched a six-week, 22-date U.S. tour July 5. Along for the ride is Garbage, an alt-rock band that was heavily influenced by Blondie, so much so that Scottish-born lead singer Shirley Manson was given the honor of inducting her idols into the Rock Hall in 2006.
Since forming in 1993 in Madison, Wis., Garbage has continued to carry the genre-bending torch initially lit by Blondie, producing six studio albums that have featured a mix of pop, grunge and techno to punk, album-oriented rock and trip hop—and everything in between. But while Garbage is a proud descendant of Blondie, there is one area where Manson and her three American-born bandmates differ from their mentors: They’ve never filed for divorce, instead remaining intact for nearly a quarter century.
Who says you can’t learn life lessons from your elders?
Pearl at Palms, 8 p.m. July 8, starting at $59 plus tax and fee. 702.944.3200
