Punk Staying Power

Clem & Syl, originally uploaded by Theresa K.

This 2004 photograph of Blondie's Clem Burke and New York Doll Sylvain Sylvain illustrates the staying power of 70's punk rock.

The New York Dolls paved the way for the Sex Pistols. Malcolm McLaren was their manager, after all. The Dolls took glam into the gutter and roughed it up with Syl's and Johnny Thunders' loud, nasty and dirty guitars. Thirty years later, young bands continue to be influenced by their two ground-breaking albums, and Sylvain and David Johansen are going strong.

Blondie continues to record and tour, and are as influential as ever.

This photo was taken backstage at the Underground Garage Festival (August 2004). Clem was playing drums for Nancy Sinatra - fitting since Debbie Harry is the same kind of groovy blonde sex kitten.

My big fantasy for Blondie these days would be if they recorded a record not unlike the Detroit Cobras, and maybe had someone younger and cool, like Greg Cartwright write them some songs and produce some tracks. That would be a perfect full circle world. Hey Debbie & Chris - if you're reading this, give a listen to my favorite album of 2004 - "Too Much Guitar" by The Reigning Sound, and check out "I'll Cry."