Career Timeline of Chris Stein: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 31, 2025

Discover the career path of Chris Stein, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Chris Stein is an American musician, songwriter, producer, and photographer, best known as the co-founder and guitarist of the iconic new wave band Blondie. Beyond his role in Blondie, Stein contributed to the soundtracks of 'Wild Style' and 'Union City'. He is also an accomplished photographer, showcasing his artistic vision through various mediums.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1973: Joined The Stillettoes

In 1973, Chris Stein became the guitarist for The Stillettoes and began a romantic relationship with Debbie Harry.

1974: Founded Blondie

In the summer of 1974, Chris Stein, Debbie Harry, and the rhythm section of The Stillettoes left to form their own group, which they named Blondie.

1976: Contributing Photographer to Punk Magazine

From 1976, Chris Stein was a contributing photographer to Punk magazine, often using it to promote Blondie.

1978: Co-host of TV Party

From 1978, Chris Stein was co-host of TV Party, a public-access television cable TV show in New York City.

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1979: Contributing Photographer to Punk Magazine

Chris Stein was a contributing photographer to Punk magazine until 1979, often using it to promote Blondie.

1981: Collaboration on Debbie Harry's Solo Album KooKoo

In 1981, Chris Stein collaborated with Debbie Harry and H.R. Giger for Harry's solo album KooKoo.

1982: Blondie Broke Up, Stein Started Animal Records

In 1982, Blondie broke up. Also in 1982, Stein started the Animal Records label.

1982: End of TV Party

In 1982, TV Party, a public-access television cable TV show in New York City, that Chris Stein co-hosted ended.

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1982: Publication of "Making Tracks: The Rise of Blondie"

In 1982, the book "Making Tracks: The Rise of Blondie," co-authored by Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, and Victor Bockris, was first published by Elm Tree, London.

1984: Animal Records Ended

Chris Stein stopped running Animal Records in 1984.

1997: Blondie Reformed

In 1997, Blondie reformed and has been active on and off ever since.

1998: "Making Tracks: The Rise of Blondie" Reissued

In 1998, "Making Tracks: The Rise of Blondie" was reissued by Da Capo, New York.

August 2013: Exhibition at Morrison Hotel Gallery

In August 2013, an exhibition of Chris Stein's photography was held at the Morrison Hotel Gallery in West Hollywood.

September 2014: Publication of "Chris Stein / Negative: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk"

In September 2014, Rizzoli published Chris Stein's book, "Chris Stein / Negative: Me, Blondie, and the Advent of Punk," featuring his photography.

May 2017: A la recherche du punk perdu Joint Exhibition

In April–May 2017, Chris Stein had a joint exhibition with Eddie Duggan at the University of Suffolk, entitled A la recherche du punk perdu.

2019: Stopped touring with Blondie

Chris Stein has not toured with Blondie since 2019 due to heart issues, specifically Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).

April 18, 2023: Publication of "H.R. Giger: Debbie Harry Metamorphosis: Creating the Visual Concept for KooKoo"

On April 18, 2023, Titan Books published Chris Stein's second book of photography, "H.R. Giger: Debbie Harry Metamorphosis: Creating the Visual Concept for KooKoo," chronicling the collaboration between himself, Debbie Harry, and H.R. Giger for Harry's 1981 solo album.