If I can look like Debbie Harry when I grow up – and be able to pull off a performance like she did at Stir Cove – well, it would be a miracle. I don’t want to dwell on the age thing here, but the stamina it takes to put on a concert like this is probably more than one can imagine, and the fact that she has been on the road and touring for months, just awes me. There she was in all her glory – rhinestone studded sunglasses, tight black skirt and that platinum signature hairdo. And, if I may add – she looked ‘mahvelous’.
Harry has been a vocalist for over 40 years, and she and guitarist Chris Stein formed Blondie in 1974. This band is quite diverse in their musical styles, ranging from reggae to rock, with a twist of disco and rap thrown in for good measure. It’s all good. Who doesn’t love them a little “Call Me” or “Rapture”, huh? Plus, I’m here to tell you that the new stuff off her latest album, “Panic of Girls” is top notch. Blondie was generous in sharing a bit of the old right along with the new, and the group segued from song to song in rather rapid fashion. Again – the stamina – I’d need a tank of oxygen instead of that mysterious brew in the coffee cup she had on stage!
She has an amazing band – they are solid in every way – but I did find them a bit overpowering at times, and it was difficult to hear Debbie’s lead vocals. It may have been by design, who knows. I listened from various spots all over the amphitheater, and it seemed to be that way no matter where you were parked. Hey, I know the high notes aren’t quite as high, the low notes aren’t quite as low, but just a bit more vocal sound would have been nice.
The crowd was quite pleased with the night, as they should have been. The weather was great, the band was great, and here was a chance to mark yet another notch in your ‘witnessing legendary performances’ belt. It was an interesting crowd, and much of the time it was a big dance party. If you loved the 80’s, then you felt right at home in the Cove. The gang surrounding the stage was beaming from ear to ear and who wouldn’t be happy when “The Tide is High” – c’mon!
Ah, Stir Cove. Good times, good times.
Just a few shows left, and coming up on September 8 is a visit from Bon Iver, an indie folk/rock band out of Northern Wisconsin. The boys have been getting a lot of press lately, and it’s gonna be a great show. I strongly suggest you visit www.stircove.com and get your tickets now – don’t miss out!
