—————————————————— Aftermath: Blondie, Graceful and Casual at the Arena Theatre | Rocks Off | Houston | Houston Press | The Leading Independent News Source in Houston, Texas

Concerts

Aftermath: Blondie, Graceful and Casual at the Arena Theatre

Even at today's prices, dreaming is free. That's why an evening with Blondie is such a bargain. Sandwiched between the Donnas (who sounded tight and sassy from the will call line) and Pat Benatar (still "Invincible"), Debbie Harry's crew navigated the Arena's revolving stage with casual grace and veteran cool. Once they got used to it, anyway - "I'm dizzy," laughed singer Debbie Harry at one point.

So was the audience after Blondie's hour-long barrage of clean, no-frills New Wave. Setting the table with teeth-baring versions of "Call Me" and "Hanging on the Telephone," Blondie brought more than just the hits and truly blossomed on the gorgeous "Fade Away and Radiate," soaring "Maria" and an extended "Atomic" that felt lighter than air. One way or another, Harry always gets her man.

KEEP THE HOUSTON PRESS FREE... Since we started the Houston Press, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Houston, and we'd like to keep it that way. With local media under siege, it's more important than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" program, allowing us to keep offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food and culture with no paywalls.
Chris Gray has been Music Editor for the Houston Press since 2008. He is the proud father of a Beatles-loving toddler named Oliver.
Contact: Chris Gray