Blondie

[valerie davenport]

Blondie formed in 1974 and had a string of hits through the 70s and 80s as the instigators of the New York side of the new wave punk scene. Debbie Harry went on to pursue a successful solo career, with the hit 'I Want That Man' in 1989, and the band reformed with No.1 single success with 'Maria' in 1999.

Tue 17 Jul Blondie The Sands Centre
Carlisle
Wed 18 Jul Blondie Manchester Apollo
Manchester
Thu 19 Jul Blondie Harrogate International Conference Centre
Harrogate
Sat 21 Jul Lovebox London Weekender:
Main Stage:
Sly & The Family Stone + Blondie + Soul II Soul Sound System + Super Furry Animals (SFA) + The Presets + Patrick Wolf + Junior Boys + K'Naan + Lovebox All Stars Victoria Park
London E9

[valerie davenport]

Debbie Harry felt like a "weird animal" the first time she heard herself on the radio.

The Blondie legend - who changed the face of the music industry with hits including 'Heart of Glass' - didn't recognise her voice when she first listened to her songs on the radio airwaves.

Debbie revealed: "I felt like some weird little animal the first time I heard myself sing. I kept thinking to myself, 'Was that really me?' I just couldn't believe it."

The 62-year-old star, who presented a Legends show on Radio 1 on Wednesday night (19.09.07) as part of the station's 40th birthday celebrations, soon managed to get over her discomfort. She went on to become an icon of the punk era, enjoying eight platinum albums with the band and selling over 40 million records.

Blondie achieved several hit singles and were hailed for their eclectic blend of disco, pop and reggae in the 70s and 80s.

The band reformed in 1998, without bassist Nigel Harrison and guitarist Frank Infante.