Debbie Harry: “I don’t want to go on stage without my boys”

Debbie Harry he talked about his own Blondie – in light of death of drummer Clem Burke last spring and the guitarist’s farewell to live activity for health reasons Chris Stein – and criticizing bands that perform without presenting the original lineup on stage.

Here’s what he told the British magazine NME: “Well, me, Chris and Clem were the only original members performing live. We’ve just lost Clem and Chris doesn’t play anymore… but maybe things could change. Basically, I don’t know. I’ve never liked it when there’s only one original member performing and all the others are replacements. The guys I’ve worked with up until this last tour are fantastic. I’ve been working with them for at least five years in most cases. It’s been a privilege to work with Glen Matlock (ex Sex Pistols, ed.) However, I feel that they somehow deserve more of this identity.”

The 80 year old Debbie Harry suggested that rebranding could be a solution to address questions about the band’s authenticity. “Maybe if I were to rename any version using Blondie as a generic term – like ‘Blondie Presents’ – I’d be tempted. But I don’t feel comfortable going on stage without my original guys and calling them Blondie. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

The American singer also spoke about recent personal challenges, first of all the loss of a key member of the band was sudden and unexpected. “Clem was fine when we recorded this new record. His situation was very sudden and very quick. It shocked everyone… so it’s hard to say. I don’t know. I’ve been dealing with some health bullshit, so I don’t know if I’ll go back to making music… hopefully I’ll get back to it at some point.” The drummer of Blondie, Clem Burkepassed away in April 2025 at the age of 70 due to cancer.