Blondie have released their first ever official box set 'Against The Odds 1974-1982'
It's out now
Last updated 26th Aug 2022
Blondie have now released their first definitive collection called 'Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982'. The box set, released on 26th August 2022, features 124 tracks including 36 previously unissued, as well as track by track commentary, an illustrated discography, and dozens of previously unpublished photos.
The band celebrated the release of the box set with a video on Instagram captioning it: '𝔹𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕚𝕖: 𝔸𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕆𝕕𝕕𝕤 𝟙𝟡𝟟𝟜-𝟙𝟡𝟠𝟚 is out now 🖤 “It's the definitive account of a sound, attitude, look, and aesthetic that proved inspirational to generations of artists across a spectrum of genres.” - @nytimes
'Available in four different formats - including a Super Deluxe Edition with 10 LPs, 1x7” and 1x10" in Red, White, and Black vinyl, plus Deluxe 4LP, 8CD and 3CD configurations + you can listen to the full collection of bonus tracks on all digital platforms at the link in bio. #BlondieArchive #AgainstTheOdds @thenumerogroup'.
Earlier this year, the unboxing of the 'Super Deluxe Collectors’ Edition' was shared on the band's official YouTube channel along with an Instagram post announcing the release.
The release is available in various formats including a 'Super Deluxe Collectors’ Edition' (10xLP, 1x7”, 1x10” in Red, White, and Black vinyl formats), Deluxe 4LP, Deluxe 8CD and 3CD Edition.
The band are best-known for their hits in the 70s, 80s and 90s, 'Atomic', 'Heart of Glass', 'The Tide Is High' and 'Maria'.
Speaking about the exciting news, the band's co-founder and singer Debbie Harry said: "It really is a treat to see how far we have come when I listen to these early attempts to capture our ideas on relatively primitive equipment.
"Fortunately the essence of being in a band in the early 70s held some of the anti-social, counter culture energies of the groups that were the influencers of the 60s. I am excited about this special collection. When I listen to these old tracks, it puts me there like I am a time traveler. As bad as it was sometimes, it was also equally as good. No regrets. More music."
Chris Stein, the band's other co-founder continued: "I am hopeful that this project will provide a glimpse into the ‘process’ and some of the journey that the songs took from idea to final form. Some of this stuff is like early sketches; the old tape machines are like primitive notebooks. The trickiest thing for me was always about getting the melodies out of my head into reality and the changes that would happen along the way."
When is 'Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982' released?
'Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982' was released on 26th August 2022, it is available now.
How much does 'Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982' cost?
The price for 'Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982' varies, starting at £40 for the standard edition, up to £273.99 for the 'Super Deluxe Collector’s Edition'.
Where can I buy 'Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982'?
'Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982' is available to buy through the band's official store, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, and Deezer, as well as many other outlets. See the full list here.
Are Blondie on tour?
Blondie are not currently on tour, they finished their 'Against The Odds' tour around the UK earlier this year. Unfortunately, co-founder and guitarist Chris Stein was not able to join Blondie on the tour due to his health. He released a statement on 14th April 2022 to explain that a heart condition had left him too fatigued to tour.
You can hear songs by Blondie on Magic.
Now take a look through Blondie's biggest career moments:
1974 - Debbie Harry and Chris Stein meet
Debbie Harry was in the female trio The Stilletos when she met fellow musician Chris Stein. The pair then formed genre-spanning band Blondie in 1974 and started playing in clubs in New York.
1977 - Blondie go on tour and release 'Plastic Letters'
After releasing their debut self-titled album in 1976, the group went on tour the following year. In 1997, they also released their next album 'Plastic Letters' which included hit song 'Denis'.
1978 - Blondie release 'Parallel Lines'
Blondie released their third album in 1978, and the album brought them huge commercial success. 'Parallel Lines' included hit tracks 'Heart of Glass', 'Hanging On The Telephone', and 'One Way or Another' — the latter which has now been certified Platinum.
1980 - 'Autoamerican' album
Following the release of their 'Eat to the Beat' album the year before, Blondie released 'Autoamercian' in 1980. The album included smash hit songs 'Tide Is High' and 'Rapture'. That year they also released their chart-topping track 'Call Me'.
Debbie Harry's acting career
As well as fronting Blondie, Debbie Harry has also acted in several films over the years. She has appeared in the films Union City (1980), Videodrome (1983), Hairspray (1988), Heavy (1995), Six Ways to Sunday (1997), and My Life Without Me (2003), as well as a few TV shows like Wiseguy and The Adverture of Pete and Pete.
1981 - Debbie Harry releases solo music
In her time as a solo artist, Debbie Harry has released numerous albums starting with 'Kookoo' in 1981. She has since brought out 'Rockbird' (1986), 'Def, Dumb and Blonde' (1989), 'Debravation' (1993), and 'Necessary Evil' (2007).
Some of her most popular songs include 'French Kissin (in the USA)', 'I Want That Man', and 'I Can See Clearly'.
1982 - Blondie take a break
In 1982, to fans' disappointment, the band broke up. By this point both Debbie Harry and keyboardist Jimmy Destri had released solo albums.
At this time guitarist Chris Stein was ill with a life-threatening auto-immune disease and Debbie Harry - his girlfriend at the time - took time out of her career to look after him. Thankfully after four years, Chris recovered from the illness.
1997 - Blondie reunite
Following a 16-year break, the group got back together and celebrated with a tour of Europe. They also released their album 'No Exit' in 1999 which included the hugely popular song 'Maria'.
2006 - Blondie are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2006, Blondie were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They were awarded by Shirley Manson of 90s rock band Garbage.
2014 - 'Ghosts of Download' album
In 2014, the band released their 10th studio album 'Ghosts of Download' which was made up of re-recorded versions of their greatest hits.
Since then they have released one more studio album, 'Pollinator', which came out in 2017 and included hit track 'Fun'.
2019 - Debbie Harry releases memoir Face It
Debbie Harry wrote a memoir called Face It which came out in 2019. It details her story from Blondie's early days to global success.
Speaking about the book, she said: "I have led a very full life. I know there will be questions asked. I didn't want to write it – but I did."
2022 - 'Against The Odds' tour
Blondie toured the UK in April and May 2022, as part of their 'Against The Odds' tour which also took them across The US and Europe.
Unfortunatley before the tour started, long-time member Chris Stein announced that he would not be joining the tour due to a heart condition. Glen Matlock instead joined the group along with suppport act Johnny Marr.
2022: 'Against The Odds' box set
Blondie announced their first ever box set called 'Blondie: Against The Odds'. It was released on 26th August 2022 and features track by track commentary, an illustrated discography, and dozens of previously unpublished photos.
2022: An Evening With Debbie Harry and Chris Stein In Conversation gets postponed
Debbie Harry and Chris Stein were due to embark on their An Evening With Debbie Harry and Chris Stein In Conversation shows in November 2022, but postponed the dates to May 2023.
The shows will take place in London, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham, where the pair will talk about their amazing lives, careers and working together.
2022: Chris Stein reveals Blondie are working on a new album
Chris Stein has spoken about a new Blondie album which is in the works. Although a release date hasn't been announced, he did reveal that Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock is collaborating on the record, having joined the band on their recent tour.
2023: Blondie perform at Glastonbury
Blondie performed on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2023.
2024: Blondie joins Sting as he headlines Belsonic
17-time Grammy Award winning artist, Sting performed a special My Songs concert in Belfast at Belsonic, Ormeau Park on 19th June 2024 — sharing the bill with Special Guest Blondie.
The concert delved into Sting's timeless hits like 'Fields of Gold', 'Roxanne', 'Every Breath You Take', 'Message in a Bottle', among a myriad of other iconic songs, and marked the continuation of his world-spanning tour, which captivated audiences across the US, Europe, Asia, the UAE and Australia.
With Blondie by his side, it was labelled 'an electrifying rock ensemble'.
Now read:
Blondie: Get to know the group behind 'Heart of Glass'