GARBAGE and BLONDIE Co-Headline LA’s Hollywood Bowl in the “Rage And Rapture Tour”!

Coming off one of the hottest weekends on record in Los Angeles this summer, Blondie somehow brought even more heat to the City of Angels. Last night, July 9th, for roughly an hour and a half, Blondie front-woman Debbie Harry and her band-mates, guitarist Chris Stein, drummer Clem Burke, keyboardist Matt Katz-Bohen, guitarist Tommy Kessler and bass player Leigh Foxx performed the greatest hits of this iconic punk group.

Titled the “Rage and Rapture Tour”, singer-songwriter Sky Ferreira kicked off the night with her brand of dance-pop tunes.

Soon after, the Shirley Manson led alt-rock band, Garbage took the stage as co-headliner with Blondie. With worldwide album sales of over 17 million units, it’s no wonder the Hollywood Bowl was already filled to the brim for their lively set. Garbage’s most recent and 6th studio album, “Strange Little Birds” was released last summer via Stunvolume. 

Since Blondie formed in 1974, they have released a total of 11 full-length studio albums. Their most recent collection, “Pollinator,” was just put out on May 5th via BMG/Infectious Music. So it’s very clear they are no where near from from stopping playing music together.

Right away, as soon as Harry entered the stage, the crowd knew they were in for an entertaining show. She wore a long black cape that said “STOP FUCKING THE PLANET” and an incredible bedazzled bee mask. She later explained that she was given it by a friend and it’s in honor of her Bee Connected campaign that she has set up with Blondie band-mate, Stein. The band has teamed up with Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth for the initiative. (Debbie is currently training to become a professional beekeeper.)

“Basically, my motives for supporting pollinators is survival, survival of us all, survival of the human race,” Debbie said. Chris added that “You can thank a honey bee for one-third of your diet.” (From Bee Connected website)

The show opened with their 1979 hit single, “One Way Or Another” from their second full-length album “Parallel Lines.” Immediately fans were on their feet and eager for a night of musical nostalgia. From there, Blondie moved on to playing “Hanging On The Telephone,” “Fun,” “Call Me” and then their very well-known hit, “Rapture” from their 1980 fifth album “Autoamerican.”

Blondie then moved to performing a few covers including Bob Dylan’s 1966 classic “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35″ and Unkindness’ “Fragments.” Around this time during the set, an audience member wandered on stage. He appeared to be heavily intoxicated and just wanted a chance to dance with the legend that is Debbie Harry.

Before the encore, the set concluded with a rousing sing-along to one of Blondie’s most beloved songs called “Heart of Glass.” The encore included “Union City Blue and “Dreaming.”

After witnessing it all in person, it is easy to see how Debbie has been at the top of lists like VH1’s 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll and 100 Sexiest Artists lists. Even after all these decades performing, she continues to be a fierce and strong entertainer. She still owns the stage and effortlessly flirts with the crowd. She loves them and they definitely still love her.

This extensive Rage and Rapture tour wraps up on August 14th in Mexico City. John Doe and Exene Cervenka will open the first half of the tour and Deap Valley on the second leg.