Needing little introduction, Blondie have achieved legendary status as one of the foremost rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s. Selling 40 million records worldwide since their self-titled debut album in 1976, the band are continuing their comeback with vigour, and are due to release their 11th long play “Pollinator” later in 2017.
Whilst Blondie have played all over the world, The Camden Roundhouse holds a certain significance in the band’s history. Playing there in March 1978 – the year in which both second album “Plastic Letters” and their breakthrough third “Parallel Lines” were released – the band rounded off a raucous British tour which seeded their success on this side of the Atlantic.
Whilst this tour was before smash hits such as “Heart of Glass” entered their repertoire, the night’s setlist is quintessential Blondie new-wave, including “X-Offender,” “Rip Her to Shreds” and suchlike. Perhaps then, almost 40 years on, gig-goers might expect a performance with more punk inflections, when Deborah Harry et al return to The Roundhouse in May.
In recent years, Blondie have focused on performing hits alongside select tracks from their recent work, so attendees will surely hear classics including “Heart of Glass” and “Hanging on the Telephone,” as well as the band’s most recent single “Long Time.”
One highlight might prove to be that the band often performs a cover during their encore. Past takes have included “Never, never gonna give you up” (Barry White) and “War Child / War Pigs” (Black Sabbath).
Tickets are limited, and can be purchased for £47.50. Doors open at 7pm.
Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and those under 14 must buy seated tickets.
Words by Matt Fredrik
