Blondie’s Christ Stein’s Photos To Be in Print

Blondie’s Chris Stein To Release Photo Book via Rizzoli on September 23rd
CHRIS STEIN/NEGATIVE: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk
Contributions by Debbie Harry and Glenn O’Brien

As Blondie’s 40th Anniversary year rolls on, September 23rd will mark the release of an incredible book of photography and anecdotes by Blondie co-founder, guitarist, songwriter, and acclaimed photographer, Chris Stein. Titled “Chris Stein/Negative: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk,” the book (published by Rizzoli) not only offers a revealing look back at one of the most influential bands of our time but also provides a look at the larger historical and global context of the music scene that they pioneered. From Blondie’s early days, to their world travels and rise to global fame, to their legendary musical counterparts, it was all captured intimately and inimitably through the insider lens of Chris Stein.

The beautifully rendered new coffee-table book features both well-known iconic shots, as well as many rare, early, and never-before-published photographs of his life backstage, off stage, on the road and at home. Early live performances, private moments on tour, and Stein’s personal favorites are showcased here, including his friendships and interactions with some of music and art’s most seminal figures including The Ramones, Iggy Pop, Andy Warhol, Joan Jett and many more. Filled with anecdotes and memories direct from Stein, and contributions from Debbie Harry and Glenn O’Brien, “Chris Stein/Negative: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk” is a visual feast for Blondie fans and a pop music history lesson. The book also powerfully captures the special relationship between Chris and Debbie Harry and is a paean to one of the most enduring creative partnerships in pop music.

In 1968, Chris Stein, a School of Visual Arts student, began photographing the early downtown NYC rock scene. In 1973 he met and began working with Debbie Harry and together they founded Blondie. As Stein went on to become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a groundbreaking guitarist/songwriter, he was always devoted to photography. His wide-ranging cultural and musical interests are all on display in “Chris Stein/Negative: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk” – artist hip-hop personality Fab Five Freddy Braithwaite, saxophonist James Chance and his muse Anya Phillips, and, of course, Andy Warhol can all be found on the pages of the book. Stein captures ephemeral scenes such as Mudd Clubb, CBGBs, Andy Warhol’s Factory, parties by the pool in the early morning hours at the now defunct Beverly Hills Hotel, the early gritty East Village and their Bowery hellhole, as well as what Europe, Russia, and other places around the world looked like at the time. Filled with well-known icons like David Bowie and the Sex Pistols, the book also includes bands like the Voidoids, the New York Dolls, and the Avengers. Stein also captured many of the very early girl bands: the Stillettos, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Slits, Cherie Curie and Tom Tom Club, as well as fascinating early 80s downtown characters like Richard Hell, Stephen Sprouse, Anya Phillips, Jean Michel Basquiat and more.

While Stein is credited with helping to shape the sound and the look of pop culture for the last four decades, “Chris Stein/Negative: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk,” will once again re-affirm him as a brilliant documentarian of the New York City music scene and beyond. Blondie’s lasting success is a tribute to his musician’s ears, his photographer’s eye, and his overarching vision, which all weave together on the pages of this remarkable pictorial autobiography.

CHRIS STEIN/NEGATIVE: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk
By Chris Stein
Contributions by Deborah Harry and Glenn O’Brien
Hardcover with jacket/ 8 ¾” x 11 ¾” / 208 pages / 250 color and b&w photographs