Blondie guitarist and co-founder Chris Stein says it’s “doubtful” he will ever play live with the band again due to an ongoing health condition. Stein was diagnosed with heart condition Atrial Fibrillation and has also been living with prostate cancer, both of which have contributed to his absence from Blondie live performances since 2019.
“I miss it a little [playing live] but it’s a lot of work and I did it for 50 years, I kind of got it out of my system,” Stein told Ireland’s The Sunday Times ahead of a new photo exhibition. “It’s doubtful I’m gonna do more shows at this point.” He adds that he remains a member of Blondie for writing, recording and other creative aspects of the band.
Stein also told The Sunday Times that he regrets his past drug use. “All this stuff caught up with me in my old age. Don’t do drugs, kids, is all I can say. All that shit I did over the years didn’t help,” he said in regards to his health issues.
In other news, Chris Stein has written a memoir, titled Under a Rock, that will be out June 11, 2024 via St. Martin’s Press. Check out the book jacket below.
