You always get the impression that there’s a kind of double bottom with Blondie.
Of course, I’ve always strived for lyrics that are personal and touch me in some way intellectually or emotionally. It’s only over the years that I’ve come to understand how Blondie works – we write these beautiful, musically interesting pop tunes, but what we say is punk. That’s why we belonged to this scene back then, even though our music was pop.
This tension has made you an icon.
I don’t like the word icon, it’s worn out. I prefer a cult figure, that sounds more interesting.
Is it nice to be a cult figure?
Show business thrives on things like that. You and your music are charged, the audience recognizes something in you. I love what I do and work hard to improve my public image. But of course there is another side where I try to protect my individuality. It’s all so fifty, fifty.
When Blondie released their new album “Panic Of Girls” exclusively with ROLLING STONE in July 2011, it was a minor sensation. Debbie Harry also spoke to us about her band and what it’s like to be a cult figure (and not an icon). We republish some of their answers here.
Greatest Debut Singles Ever: Blondie – “X Offender”
Only Debbie Harry could turn the story of Blondie bassist Gary Valentine, who was charged with rape at the age of 17 after impregnating his underage girlfriend, into a sexy, girl-group-inspired romp about a prostitute who seduces a police officer. transform. Although the song had a catchy Shangri-Las feel, with Harry singing her heart out with lines like “You wanted the love of a sex offender,” the track wasn’t a hit. But it established Blondie’s aesthetic with a playful wink.