Blondes may come and blondes may go, but rock-disco titans Blondie made their mark that they're here to stay. The Deborah Harry-fronted band invaded Times Square this past Tuesday, and I was super fortunate to be able to see a band that's had a lot of influence on me. They performed at the Nokia Theatre, which I haven't been to many times, but I really love the setup. It's like a really trendy bar with neon lights inside that just happens to have a stage, although all the lights shouldn't be surprising in a location like Times Square. I also like that, in the performance area, you have the option to stand by the stage or enjoy generous seating in the rear of the venue if you want to sit back and relax. I'm really turned off by venues that offer limited seating and enforce a drink minimum for people who can't be arsed to be on their feet for three hours.
Ranting aside, we got there fairly early, but there was still a sizable crowd out on the floor by the stage. First up was Gorvette, who had a girl-punk garage band sound, lead by a singer with fire engine red hair in two high ponytails. I don't think their music was for me, but I did enjoy their cover of the Buzzcocks' What Do I Get while the lead singer bopped around stage with her mohawked and be-pleathered band members. They also seemed to have a great time and were really appreciative of the opportunity to open for such a legendary band.
After a brief intermission Blondie bursts onto the stage with a really cool black and white backdrop slightly reminiscent of those Magic Eye pictures from 15 years ago. Debbie slinks onto the stage wearing a pair of sunglasses and a very Carrie Bradshaw-esque tutu. They played a lot of material I wasn't familiar with and, honestly, Maria and The Tide Is High set my teeth on edge, but I really enjoyed Hanging Up the Telephone and The Hardest Part. Of course they played the obvious hits: Call Me, Rapture, One Way Or Another, but I was a bit disappointed not to hear Union City Blue. My favorite song of the night was their cover of the Ramones' Pet Cemetery (Sematary?) It shouldn't be surprising because I'm sure the Ramones and Blondie hobnobbed back in the day, but it was unusual to see Debbie seem so tough. I also loved it because I think the film Pet Sematary is unintentionally hysterical and certain quotes have become in-jokes with both my mom and my boyfriend so he and I had a good laugh upon hearing the song's opening chords.
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