Blondie Newcastle City Hall 1977, 1978, 1980
I first saw Blondie when they appeared as support on the 1977 Television UK tour. They were the highlight of the evening; having just released their first album and the single X Offender. Debbie and the band were simply stunning, and quite a contrast to Television, who were also good, but much more serious. By the time they returned in 1978 they had hit the charts with Denis and Touched by your Presence Dear. That year saw the release of Plastic Letters and Parallel Lines, both excellent pop albums, and the hit singles just seemed to come again and again. 
Blondie were just untouchable as a live band and as a chart act in the late 70s and early 80s. The band were tight as anything, Debbie always looked stunning and sang great, and the set was crammed with catchy pop tunes. Their shows at the City Hall in 1978 and 1980 were both sell outs and great gigs. 
I also had tickets for a 1982 gig by Blondie at the City Hall. However the tour was cancelled as a result of Chris Stein’s ill health, and the band split shortly afterwards. 
Bootlegs exist of some of those early shows; one from 1978 shows the setlist as being the following: X Offender; Detroit 442; A Shark in Jet’s Clothing; In The Sun; Little girls lies; Denis; (I’m Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear; Fan Mail; Look Good in Blue; Rifle Rangle; In the flesh; Cautious Lip; Contact In Red Square; My Possession; I didn’t have the nerve to say no; Bermuda Triangle Blues (Flight 45); Kidnapper – Rip Her To Shreds; Kung Fu girls; Funtime ( Iggy pop cover)
14 May
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Boris Mellor (@BorisMellor) on August 30, 2014 at 8:50 am
I was at one of the gigs at City Hall, but not sure if 78 or 80, I think it was Winter I got a complimentary and went with the now odious Gary Bushell
Posted by vintagerock on August 30, 2014 at 9:41 am
Thanks Boris Aha yes Gary Bushell was reviewing for the Sounds at the time, before he was fully into Oi! methinks Cheers Peter
Posted by Simon Tucker on December 4, 2021 at 10:44 am
I was there in 77. Went for Television (still love them) but from about song three you could see the star quality in Blondie – and not just because of Ms Harry
Posted by vintagerock on December 4, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Hi Simon yes it was a very special concert. I think it was the best time I ever saw Blondie best wishes Peter