LIVE: Blondie at House of Vans

Ghosts of old New York City were in the Brooklyn House of Vans for the latest installment of their House Parties series. Scattered across the venue were glorious shots of city legends like The Ramones, Debbie Harry, and Fab Five Freddy taken by Chris Stein, who’s day job gig as the lead guitarist/co-songwriter of Blonde, brought him there as the headliner.

The acts seemed to be positioned in reverse chronological order, with SASAMI opening up. A new solo project from former Cherry Glazerr member Sasami Ashworth, the songs veered from earnest singer songwriting about relationships to more aggressive guitar work considering there was only her and only one other band member on stage.

Next up was Liz Phair, who has been laying the grown work for indie singer songwriters who aren’t afraid to show off their pop chops since the 90’s. Backed by a full band it was retrospective of an underrated career with the crowd cheering every new song as if it was their favorite. At this stage of her career Phair could have just played the elder rock stateswoman role but even the old tracks had a sense of urgency and spirit that made the entire experience feel timeless.

Finally Blondie hit the stage at 10pm. At 73 years old (!!!) Debbie Harry came out looking radiant; dressed in a neon colored coat that spelled out, “Stop Fucking the Planet” she was a punk rock and roll deity. She ran through a pitch perfect set of hits like “One Way Or Another”. She managed to sneak in covers of The Beastie Boys “Fight For Your Right To Party’ and Deee Lite’s “Grove Is In The Heart” which makes you realize just how much Blondie’s multi-genre approach to ‘punk’ music paved the way for so many great artists.

House of Vans House Parties in Brooklyn continues with their current headlining punk streak with Against Me! as the headliner at their next show on August 3rd. You can RSVP here and check out the rest of the shows below.

HOUSE OF VANS BROOKLYN

August 10 - Pennywise
(RSVP Open July 26)

August 18 - Deerhunter
(RSVP Open July 27)

August 24 - Interpol
(RSVP Open August 15)