Chris Stein (Blondie)

Guitarist Chris Stein was a driving force behind Blondie and, with longtime songwriting/personal partner Debbie Harry, co-wrote many of its classic songs, including “Rip Her to Shreds,” “Heart of Glass,” “Dreaming,” “The Hardest Part” and “Rapture.” His passion for exploration pushed Blondie beyond its punk roots into disco, pop, reggae and rap, and in this conversation we dig into the details. What struck him most about Harry’s voice and songwriting? Where did Blondie fit amid the art-punk CBGB scene? What song did Stein model “Dreaming” on before drummer Clem Burke blasted it in another direction? Which Blondie album did the label complain had no singles? Which one Blondie song did Stein know would be a hit? How did Stein overcome an autoimmune disease and all-consuming drug addiction? And how did writing his new memoir, Under a Rock, change his perspective? (Photo by Axel Dupeux)