The roots of Blondie: Chris Stein, Debbie Harry & Clem Burke
Her hair looked a bit like a platinum Andy Warhol fright wig. But the cheekbones, that nose and those lips are unmistakably Debbie Harry, one of the most indelible visages in rock history.
At 66, the revered female rock icon still cut an arresting figure Sunday night at Mystic Lake Casino showroom. But, more importantly than the look, the presence and that pout, she still has the voice — that high, chiming lilt, floating over those new-wave rhythms like a skilled surfer riding a wave.
With a pretty exciting CD about to drop on Sept. 13 (its first album in eight years), Blondie seemed spirited, tight and happy to be playing new material on the second night of its U.S. tour. (I didn't see Blondie last year with Cheap Trick at Treasure Island Casino, but some trusted folks who did said the Mystic performance was a vast improvement.)
Five songs from the new "Panic of Girls" were heard during the 80-minute set, most notably the surging rocker "Love Doesn't Frighten Me" and "Wipe Off My Sweat," which had a cool Latin vibe, complete with a flamenco guitar solo by Tommy Kessler. (Wish they would have played "Panic's" remake of the British reggae hit "Girlie Girlie," which sounds like a U.S. hit on disc; speaking of reggae, they didn't play "The Tide Is High," either.)
"Rapture" was reworked into a dark, hypnotic clubby tune, which made it sound more contemporary. The clarion "Call Me," the cascading "Dreaming," the sing-along encore "Heart of Glass" and the clap-along "One Way or Another" made it feel like it was 1979-80 all over again — especially with madcap drummer Clem Burke wearing his CBGB T, bassist Leigh Foxx rockin' red Beatle boots and keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen sporting a Ramones-evoking leather jacket. (There were three sidemen in addition to original members of the Rock Hall of Fame group, Chris Stein on guitar, Burke and Harry.)
Harry, forever the fashion plate, was attired in a black frock, buttoned at the waist, over a turquoise tutu, thick-soled black sandals and sunglasses whose lenses were covered in glitter. She worked the entire stage, doing little spins and daft dances. Eventually, she removed the shades, the frock and later the tutu, stripping down to a turquoise tank top and black capris pants. Looking like she was ready for a day at the beach, she strutted around in her curvy glory, so proud, self-assured and confident.
Maybe that's the enduring message of the aging but still iconic Debbie Harry — be proud of who you are and carry yourself with confidence.
