Blondie
-APOLLO, MANCHESTER-
Around forty years after they originally emerged, Blondie return with their latest album since 2014’s Ghost of Download; the all new Pollinator. Featuring tracks with guest vocals and co-writing from the likes of The Strokes’ Nick Valensi, Johnny Marr, Charlie XCX and many others, Blondie give the illusion that they have never aged.
As someone who didn’t grow up in the heyday of 70s new wave and punk rock, to get the opportunity to see one of the New York scene’s pioneering bands is monumental.
Flouncing onto the stage of the Apollo donning a stunningly glamourous bee mask and one hell of an attitude, Debbie Harry looks in fine shape. Standing in the beautiful building that is the Apollo, surrounded by a generation who grew up adoring this band certainly feels special.
Opening with hit track ‘One Way or Another’ the crowd are transported back to their youth, whooping giddily as Harry jiggles around the stage in her ‘Stop Fucking the Planet’ denim jacket. Removing her mask and connecting with the Manchester crowd on the topic of bees, the band move straight into a good mix of classics and new hits with ‘Hanging on the Telephone’ and ‘Call Me’ coming in surprisingly early. Harry’s voice sounds a lot more youthful than expected; there is a slight rough edge, however, that adds a nice depth to it.
In between songs, they take the time to introduce each member of the band, culminating in some interesting solo performances. The drum solo from Clem Burke is the best of the bunch with some great flourishes and complex beats.
The crowd make a refreshing change from the usual screaming teenagers; more respectful and jolly. Everyone enjoys a dance to some of the newer hits, with lots of synchronised arm waving and hand clapping.
‘Atomic’ and ‘Heart of Glass’ come just before the encore really kicking things into gear, Harry lacking no energy and bopping all over the stage. Sadly, there is no surprise appearance from Johnny Marr to help perform ‘My Monster’ during the encore but the track sounds great all the same.
Ending the night with ‘Dreaming’ as her parting gift, the crowd indulges in every second. Just like in the song, Debbie Harry leaves us wanting more as she leaves the stage with the grace of royalty.
Blondie’s music, like Debbie Harry herself, has aged with a timeless grace, barely ever seen in the music industry.
Blondie: Official | Facebook | Twitter
I am Sylvie an 18 year old music enthusiast from the midlands - with a heart for writing and adventure. Currently I am a budding music journalist who is studying for a degree in music journalism at the University of Chester.
