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Blondie Whisky Floor

Blondie’s first tour: opened for Tom Petty, then a few days later, a dream package with the Ramones, 2 shows a night for four nights. I am sooo excited because Debbie gave me permission to use for cover for my first solo book from Rizzoli, April 2008, “Punk Pioneers.”

It will be in Swindle mag’s October, 2007 issue with a major story about Debbie. Hooray!!! I am so proud this photo and I have been redeemed! Thank you Debbie, for then and for now.

“Rip Her to Shreds,” “In The Flesh,” “Look Good In Blue,” “In The Sun” and “A Shark In Jet’s Clothing” still resonate with me. This photo was published internationally, but I doubt if I ever made $100 from it back in the day, but wow, is it hot now!!!

Between publishing and fans . . . starting to make up for the hurt, the pain, when it was on the cover of “Back Door Man” fanzine. I was accused of not asking permission. No one ever asked permission to print photos. The irony was that I did! I called from my parent’s home in the valley. I offered to bring in their phone bill to prove I called on the date I said I did.

I was banned from ever shooting Blondie again. Debbie was so sweet and let me shoot them during the rehearsal at their first American Bandstand show with Dick Clark. I have a lovely group shot of them talking to Dick taken from a hiding spot that will be in my first solo book from Rizzoli, April 2008, “Punk Pioneers.”

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Debbie smiling, Whisky backstage during Television’s debut

There was a time when we were young and hopeful, giving our own for the rock life. We could access the performers and they were glad for the eager, friendly, fun fans who threw them no-budget parties and turned them onto the cool thrift shops or published photos of them, often with no payment nor credit. We did it cos we all love rock ‘n’ roll. That’s what Debbie’s smile says to me.

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Blondie, Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Whisky, April 14, 1977

Debbie and Chris Stein encouraged me to publish and promote my photos. I was so shy about taking photos, but both of them, especially Debbie, told me to go for it. This shot was taken April 14, 1977, Whisky backstage. Debbie and Chris congratulated me, after seeing my photos in “New York Rocker.” I didn’t have the heart to tell them I submitted the photos before I met them back in February. Then the “Back Door Man” cover hit, and all hell broke loose.

I was grabbed and dragged out of a subsequent show. Yes, their manager grabbed my arm while I was on a chair shooting. He dragged me out of the Hollywood Palladium, October 23, 1977. I will never forget that whole scenario. My arm was black and blue for days. So many tears shed for so many years.

This episode caused me to retreat from taking photos and the pain caused me anguish for 27 or so years. That’s how it took for me to feel OK, and then pride that I took this shot.

I still love their first 3 albums. Blondie rules! Don’t forget, Blondie is a group. Thank you Debbie!! For more than I can say. I will always remember your kindness, then and now.

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Blondie, Debbie Harry, Whisky bride, February 1977

According to “Cinderella’s Big Score” about women in punk, Debbie ONCE wore a wedding dress. This proves she wore it in LA as well! This will be in my first solo book from Rizzoli, April 2008, “Punk Pioneers.”

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Debbie Harry closeup, Blondie bridal veil, Whisky, February 1977

According to “Cinderella’s Big Score” about women in punk, Debbie ONCE wore a wedding dress. This proves she wore it in LA as well! This will be in my first solo book from Rizzoli, April 2008, “Punk Pioneers.” This make a stunning print!

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Debbie Harry, Blondie Group, X Offender, Whisky, February 1977

Debbie came out on stage wearing a beret and Humphrey Bogart trench coat, holding up a NY Times paper with a headline about freezing weather, while being in balmy LA. Then she tore off the coat and hat to reveal her black mini-dress and thigh-high X Offender boots. Wow! Blondie’s LA debut was sizzling hot and memorable, and sooo much fun! This will be in my first solo book from Rizzoli, April 2008, “Punk Pioneers.”

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Debbie Harry on her knees, Whisky, February 1977
Spin chose this shot for their punk timeline, October 2007, page 55.

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Television, Tom Verlaine, Blondie, Chris Stein, Whisky hallway, April 14, 1977

April 14, 1977, Whisky hallway, Television’s LA debut. Blondie were in town to open for Iggy Pop at the Santa Monica Civic the following night, April 15, 1977. Tom Verlaine, Chris Stein and other Television members. What a night! I have shots backstage famous writer Lisa Robinson and Elektra President Joe Smith and other honchos gathered around Television. I never saw that kind of reception again. Graffiti above Tom on the left says “I want to fuck Johnny Ramone. Robin.” Ah, the things you can learn when you digitize and zoom in!!! Sorry it’s so small, someday I’ll resize it. Sorry Linda Ramone, but I’m sure you are used to this. Only repeating what’s on the wall!

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Debbie Harry, Blondie, Bomp Records Store with the Weirdos, April 23, 1977

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Debbie Harry, Blondie, Bomp Records Store with the Weirdos, April 23, 1977

More Blondie pix showing the band onstage, in their Bel-Air Hotel room (with Roger Taylor and Brian May of Queen and future LA punk stars such as Tomata du Plenty of the Screamers, Black Randy, Phast Phreddie, Rodney and others), plus the Screamers infamous Blondie/Ramones party will be posted someday . . . in the meanwhile, read the Street Life in my stories section and fanzines about that party and moi!!

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