About the Artist
Chris Stein began taking photographs in 1968. In 1973, he met Debbie Harry, and together they co-founded Blondie, co-writing genre-defining hits like “Heart of Glass” and “Rapture.” From the beginning, Chris was not only a musician but also an avid documentarian, constantly photographing the vibrant and chaotic world surrounding Blondie.
It was the heyday of punk and new wave in New York City, and Chris was at the epicenter—capturing the rise of a cultural revolution from the inside. His lens documented not just his bandmates but the emerging icons of the scene.
As Blondie rose to fame, Chris continued to chronicle their journey and the creative ecosystem around them. This rare dual perspective—as both participant and observer—makes his photography uniquely intimate and historically valuable. Over the years, his work has been showcased in galleries and featured in prominent publications around the world.
Chris has authored several acclaimed photography books, including Negative: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk and Point of View: Me, New York City, and the Punk Scene (both published by Rizzoli), as well as GIGER: Debbie Harry Metamorphosis (Titan). In 2024, he published his debut memoir, Under a Rock (St. Martin’s Press), offering an unfiltered look at his life in music and art.
Beyond Blondie, Stein has collaborated with a wide array of influential artists over the decades, including Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, William Burroughs, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Devo, Glenn O’Brien, and Shepard Fairey.
Chris Stein continues to live and work in New York City, pursuing his lifelong passions for music, photography, and creative expression.
Chris head shots by Axel Dupeux
