Debbie H does Worthing! Bootleg Blondie gig review

Bootleg Blondie – Clem Burke signed drum kick cover – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Bootleg Blondie – The Factory Live, Worthing 22/10/2021

Debbie Does Worthing! Top Blondie tribute Bootleg Blondie appeared at The Factory Live in Worthing. 2 hours of non-stop classics!

BOOTLEG BLONDIE

are the world’s No.1 official Debbie Harry and Blondie tribute band. They started up in 2001 and have played the infamous CBGB club in New York City, the Isle of Wight Festival, the Shepherds Bush Empire, London’s 100 Club and the legendary Hammersmith Palais and appear regularly at many top venues and festivals in the UK, Europe and around the world. Tonight Debbie and her band stopped off in Worthing for a 2 hour set at The Factory Live.

Bootleg Blondie – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Clem Burke

Bootleg Blondie are honoured to have been thanked on Blondie’s latest album ‘Pollinator’ and to celebrate 40 years since the release of Blondie’s iconic 1978 album ‘Parallel Lines’ Clem Burke, Blondie’s renowned and celebrated drummer, joined Bootleg Blondie on drums for not one but two UK tours in 2019 covering nearly 5,000 miles and playing to over 7,000 people!

Bootleg Blondie arrive on the South Coast, Worthing at the rather splendid venue The Factory Live! They were here to deliver a tribute to the New Wave legends, Blondie.

Bootleg Blondie – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

The fairly sizeable crowd arrived in plenty of time to get an up close and almost personal show with Bootleg Blondie. No sign tonight sadly of Clem Burke, Blondies drummer, in the venue. That would have been kinda cool! Tonight Bootleg Blondie were going to bring the songs and music of their namesakes to life. Unlike most tribute bands the group have a strong link with Blondie, and have all met the members of the original, they have a signed drum cover and a signed guitar, including signatures of all the members of Blondie, that Debbie Harris uses. Little things I know, but it just gives the gig tonight a little of Blondies magic touch.

Bootleg Blondie – Andy – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

With a mixed age crowd tonight, a back catalogue to choose from and a reputation these guys have as one of the best tribute acts out there. I think it safe to say Bootleg Blondie have the ingredients on hand to serve up a perfect set. We were ready for some dancing, singing and a good night out. This gig had been postponed many times due to the Covid Pandemic and, I think, we were expecting nothing less than a great evening.

Bootleg Blondie – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Debbie Harris, lead vocalist of Bootleg Blondie, has got it all – those looks, the voice and dare I say a healthy slice of the attitude of the one and only Debbie Harry.

Debbie Harris has been known to wear dustbin liners, thigh length boots and t-shirts and a series of outfit changes through the performance, perfectly reflecting the varying stages of Debbie Harry’s career. Tonight a bin liner was worn, with “Debbie Does Worthing” written on the back! A nice touch, which drew a good cheer from the crowd.

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Bootleg Blondie: The Band

The band were hot tonight and generated an authentic sound of the Blondie era. Andy on guitars put on a stunning performance. And nice to chat with you Andy about your lucky set list. I am honestly still not quite sure what happened there! A strong percussion from the drum kit and the lovely bass playing, including a nice bass solo spot. Put these two together and they provide a seriously strong support for Andy and Debbie. A nice touch was that both guitar and bass players were dressed in black suits and ties in a Parallel Lines homage. The drummer was at one stage wearing a similar T shirt that Clem Burke had worn when he joined up on two tours for some of the publicity.

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A safe bet tonight, one way or another, we are all in for a real good time. Will anything happen?

The Set

It all started off with a recorded message from Debbie Harry and the band hit the opening of Heart Of Glass. Debbie Harris took to the stage, I am pretty sure we all took a double take to make sure it wasn’t the real deal that had just walked out. She looked and sounded great. Dreaming and 11.59 were up next.

Bootleg Blondie – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Union City Blue was up and this was when Debbie strapped on her signed guitar. Lead singer Debbie Harris says her pride and joy is her guitar that she plays during her shows, signed by all the Blondie band members. And, there it was!

Bootleg Blondie – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Atomic was a crowd pleaser, and unexpectedly hearing French Kissing In The USA was a real treat, love that song! Set one drew to a close as Debbie appeared from behind the onstage phone box clutching a wired up telephone for the set close of Hanging On The Telephone.

Bootleg Blondie – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Set 2:

After a 20 minute break the band took to the stage again with Always Touched By Your Presence and then launched into the stripped back and punky little tune X Offender. Again a shout to the drums especially for the power and timing of Fade Away And Radiate. Stunning rendition.

Bootleg Blondie – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Another Debbie Harry solo track was next with I Want That Man, which then led into another of my Blondie favourites Maria. Andy delivering an on point guitar for that one along with leaps and twirls on the stage.

Bootleg Blondie – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Denis was up and Debbie Harris vanished again to return in another costume, red top and matching red thigh high boots. Sunday Girl was next and the set closed with Call Me, which definitely had the Factory Live shaking its very foundations.

Bootleg Blondie – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Encore

Picture this, we had been treated to some 30 songs tonight, and Bootleg Blondie still had some fuel in the tank! Two songs were served up as an encore, first was Bowies Heroes and to end the set was the T Rex classic Get It on. The whole set closing off with the finishing touches of Heart Of Glass and a huge cheer from the crowd.

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All in all this had been a terrific night out. Two hours packed full of songs evoking memories and that whole era.

Bootleg Blondie – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex

Well played Bootleg Blondie.

Bootleg Blondie are on the WWW

And Finally

A huge shout to the super team at The Factory Live. This really is a little gem of a venue and tonight the sound mix was spot on. The lighting had been upgraded since my last visit and it was wonderful to see all the band members and just the right amount of smoke. First class night guys and cheers to the brilliant security and bar staff folk.

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The Factory Live is tucked away in Worthing. It’s a great venue. A great team running the place, the staff were approachable, friendly and helpful. The venue is pretty large and well ventilated with a nice large bar area and outside seating and tables. After the pandemic – welcome back to The Factory! I had a great evening there. The venue, The Factory Live, is located at Unit 9A, Ivy Arch Road in Worthing. We had been there before for a gig from Toyah – read all about that one here.

The Factory Live are on the WWW here

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