Chris Stein of Blondie on His Memoir "Under a Rock" and Musical Memories

Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

"I just wanted to get it out while my brain cells were still functioning and I still had the memories in there, more or less."

Welcome Chris Stein:

We’re joined on the Starline by the co-founder and guitarist of Blondie. He’s a producer, musician, photographer and writer. His memoir is “Under a Rock” we welcome Chris Stein.

Chris, let’s go Beyond the Mic. "I’m a firm believer in the circular nature of time and the idea that the future casts shadows into the past." Your 1st record was made in Coney Island in an audio-recording booths on the beach. Could you have ever imagined back then the life you were about to experience?

You were told once that “our musical ideas outdistanced our abilities.” How has music filled your soul with joy and allowed your greatest ideas to come to life?

Why was writing this memoir important to you?

Which memory almost didn’t make it into the book because it was so cherished, you didn’t want to give it away?

How has music touched your soul?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite tour stop?

2. Best punk band in your opinion today?

3. What’s the most beautiful city in the world?

4. Favorite moment at Burning Man?

5. You talked about the guitar you got back in the 60’s. What was your 1st guitar and do you still have it?

6. Where was your best picture taken, and what was it of?

7. Which club, long gone, do you miss the most?

8. What’s the most expensive thing you have ever broken?

The Back Half:

“I realized that Debbie comes off as part little kid doing a pretend show in front of a mirror and part erudite, glamorous, risky woman” What’s your best moment with Debbie?

Today how do you experience music and how has it changed since you started?

If you could change one thing about the past what would it be?

What’s your best memory?

Which camera do you enjoy shooting with?

One Big Question:

Favorite memory of your late daughter?

The Wrap:

He loved working at the post office at Burning Man. Thinks Porto is the most beautiful city in the world and wants you to read his powerful book “Under A Rock”. Chris Stein thank you for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.

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