Formed in 2001, Bootleg Blondie has established itself as the leading Blondie tribute act worldwide. Fronted by singer Debbie Harris, the band captures the energy, style, and attitude of Debbie Harry and Blondie with uncanny authenticity. Harris herself was chosen from over 15,000 applicants to represent Debbie Harry on BBC1’s Even Better Than The Real Thing, further cementing her reputation as the definitive Blondie tribute performer.
Bootleg Blondie is unique among tribute acts: they are the only Blondie tribute to have played at the legendary CBGB club in New York City, a venue central to Blondie’s rise in the 1970s. Even more impressively, they have performed with Blondie’s founding members — drummer Clem Burke and bassist/songwriter Gary Valentine. In 2019, Clem Burke joined Bootleg Blondie on two UK tours celebrating the 40th anniversary of Blondie’s iconic album Parallel Lines, playing to over 7,000 fans across nearly 5,000 miles of gigs.
The band’s dedication has been recognized by Blondie themselves: Bootleg Blondie was thanked on Blondie’s 11th studio album, Pollinator, a rare honour for a tribute act. Their shows are a whirlwind of Blondie’s greatest hits — Heart of Glass, Call Me, Atomic, One Way or Another — delivered with the same punk-pop spirit that made Blondie one of the most influential bands of their era.
Debbie Harris brings not only the look and voice of Debbie Harry but also her stage presence and charisma, making Bootleg Blondie shows feel like stepping back into Blondie’s heyday. With regular appearances at top UK and European venues and festivals, the band continues to keep Blondie’s music alive for new generations of fans.