New York, United States (1974 – 1982, 1996 – present)
Blondie is perhaps the most commercially successful band to emerge from the 1970s punk scene. They formed in New York in 1974. The original lineup consisted of Deborah Harry (vocals), Clem Burke (drums / percussion), Jimmy Destri (keyboards), Chris Stein (guitar / bass guitar) and Gary Valentine (bass guitar / guitar).
Blondie released their first album Blondie in 1976. The album was mildly successful and spawned the Australian hit single “In The Flesh”.
Gary Valentine left the band later that year, and they continued briefly as a foursome, recording Plastic Letters which contained the hit “Denis”.