Deborah Harry - vocals; Chris Stein - guitars, vocals; Nigel Harrison - bass; Clem Burke - drummer; Frank Infante - guitar; Jimmy Destri - keyboards
Despite their recent forays into such conventional ventures as a (rather demure) appearance at 2006's Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, Deborah Harry and Blondie were once a cutting edge new wave act - and mainstay at clubs like the legendary CBGBs in New York City. Whereas other early punk bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols were too raw for most mainstream music fans, Blondie had more of a popular appeal and were just what the doctor ordered when it came to bringing punk rock to the masses.
Most of the group's songs were incredibly catchy, a fact that's more than evident in this early, hit-filled set from 1978. While Blondie wasn't comprised of technically great musicians, its members displayed enough musicality to become a staple on radio play lists; and Deborah Harry, above all else those days, was simply hot. She's always had a great voice and a dangerous attitude - the perfect formula for rock stardom.
The band rocked hard during this set, especially on classics like "Hanging On The Telephone," "One Way Or Another" and "Youth Nabbed As Sniper." It is clear that while Harry was the charismatic front person, guitarist Chris Stein was the musical brains behind the band. Among the highlights is a totally ballsy cover of the 1971 T-Rex classic, "Bang A Gong (Get It On)." An indispensable show, for fans of Blondie or any other shade of punk rock.