A Breath of Fresh Air June 24

Chris Stein is the co-founder, guitarist, and creative backbone of Blondie, one of the most groundbreaking bands to emerge from New York’s punk and new wave scene in the 1970s. Born in Brooklyn in 1950, Stein was a rebellious, art-driven teen who found his voice in both music and photography. In 1973, he met Debbie Harry, and together they formed Blondie—a band that would go on to blend punk, pop, disco, reggae, and even early hip-hop into a unique, chart-topping sound.

Stein co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including “Heart of Glass,” “Dreaming,” and “Rip Her to Shreds,” bringing a cool, experimental edge to his guitar work. Behind the scenes, he was also documenting everything with his camera, capturing now-iconic photos of Harry, Warhol, the Ramones, and the downtown New York scene.

His intense romantic and creative relationship with Harry was central to the band’s identity. When Stein was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease in the early ’80s, Harry stepped away from fame to care for him. Though their romance ended, their partnership endured.

Blondie reunited in the late ’90s, and Stein continued writing, producing, and performing until stepping back from touring in 2022 due to heart issues. Today, his legacy lives on through his music, his photography, and his singular role in shaping the sound and image of modern pop.