Blondie
Aug. 8, 2010
Pacific Amphitheatre
Deborah Harry could still be hottest woman in rock & roll…for real. As soon as Blondie took to the stage without ado at last night's Pacific Amphitheatre show, the 65-year-old frontwoman slunk up and down the stage with sex appeal and charisma, hardly needing to perform, really, but shining anyway. Wearing a white tulle skirt, black jacket with shoulder pads and coattails, and a tight t-shirt, she was in good form, and ready to take on the audience at the show.
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There were no theatrics when the show started–the band walked on stage and performed the new-ish song “D-Day” to the giant graffiti backdrop of their name. Harry's voice was in great form–husky and warm, and lovingly familiar when performing her hits. It was especially great to see her so at ease on stage, hardly ever straining her voice.
Don't get me wrong–it was definitely a rock & roll show–but onstage, Harry didn't look like she felt she had to prove anything to the crowd. Whether or not she could still sustain the long, high notes of “Atomic,” or whether or not she could still hit “Heart of Glass” in it's original pitch didn't matter.
The Pacific Amphitheatre seemed really happy to be watching Blondie; so what if, like the people behind us, they watched the band come to the Fair every year? Although the first few songs of Blondie's set comprised of newer songs, everyone was on their feet dancing to every bit. Like the crowd, Harry seemed to be waiting for the show–and the crowd–to naturally build up combustible energy. Toward the end, the show was lit; although Harry never seemed to break out into a sweat, she came out to perform for a crowd who loved her, and love her they did.
The Gorvettes opened for Blondie.
Personal Bias: I'm a sucker for nostalgia acts, and women who rawk.
Crowd: I saw a disproportionate amount of parents with their kids, plus teenagers in '80s outfits.
Overheard in the Crowd: A 3-year-old asked his father who was onstage. The dad replied in the same tone used in Sesame Street shows,”That's Blondie–a legend!”
Random Notebook Dump: I have three: 1) Deborah Harry's hair looked perfect. Someone said it was a wig. True or no? 2) Did anyone notice that the band used Muse's “Uprising” riff on “Call Me?” 3) I love when the keytar is used unironically.
Partial Setlist:
D Day
Hangin' On The Telephone
Love Doesn't Frighten Me
(I'm Always Touched) By Your Presence Dear
Maria
Maria
What I Heard
Atomic
Tide Is High/ I'll Take You There
Call Me
One Way Or Another
Will Anything Happen
Picture This
Break Your Heart
Heart Of Glass
