Chris Stein talks GuilFest 2008
Original fans and new generations alike are undoubtedly bursting with excitement at the prospect of Blondie playing at this year’s GuilFest. The American band, who delighted and excited crowds in Guildford four years ago, are set to be performing once again as a headline act on Saturday, July 5. Guitarist and songwriter of Blondie, Chris Stein has been one of the core members of the group since they formed in the 70s.
Stein met lead singer Debbie Harry when he joined the Stilettos in 1973. The pair, who later became romantically involved, went on to recruit musicians and form Blondie. The name was chosen because it was what imaginative truckers used to shout out at Harry when they drove past in their trucks.
Stein, who has visited the UK on several occasions to perform, said: “I remember the very first show we had in England, how amazed we were to see how enthusiastic the crowds were, even compared to the American crowds. We’ve been doing these UK tours every year, Guildford’s one of these places where we’ve been before. We always walk around a little, but we do so many, things tend to blend together, so it’s hard to remember. It all comes back to you when you’re there though. For this year’s tour we’re going to try and add some new stuff.”
After gaining fame in 1978 following the release of the album Parallel Lines, Blondie stayed together for just four years before splitting up.
“We got back together in 1999, and it seems to be very successful. After we did that a lot of bands started doing reunions, we’ve always been a little premature in what we’re doing. I don’t think the dynamics really changed over that time,” Stein said.
When asked whether the band members still get on well together, he replied: “Sure. The band is what it is, it’s a family.”
Another reason for Blondie splitting up was the New York-born guitarist developing a rare and potentially fatal skin disease known as Pemphigus. Despite the fact that he spent a number of years recovering, he does not believe the experience had a particularly profound effect on him.
“I think having kids has changed my outlook on my life more than that, being able to spend time with my two girls has affected me a lot more than the medical thing,” he said.
When asked about how he feels about touring, Stein said: “I just love doing the show, I really missed playing with the band when we stopped. It gets me, everybody seems enthusiastic, everybody seems to look like they like it. Though I’m anti the rock star thing, although at the same time I think when anybody steps off stage they see themselves in that way.”
He added: “What I don’t like about being on tour is leaving the kids; they come to the American shows.”
Many bands have risen and subsequently dived into obscurity since Blondie first came onto the music scene.
Stein explained that he doesn’t really consider how his band compares to the competition.
He said: “I really don’t see other bands, though I saw the Blind Boys of Alabama, they were fantastic. The music I listen to is old reggae music, for pleasure.”
To book tickets to see Blondie or any of the other acts at GuilFest visit www.guilfest.co.uk/2008 or call the ticket hotline on 0871 424 0050.
First printed in: Surrey Advertiser
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