History of Chris Stein in Timeline

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

January 5, 1950: Christopher Stein Born

On January 5, 1950, Christopher Stein was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is known as the co-founder and guitarist of the band Blondie.

Others born on this day/year

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.

1983: Diagnosed with Pemphigus Vulgaris

In 1983, Chris Stein was diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris, a rare autoimmune disease of the skin.

1984: Animal Records Ended

Chris Stein stopped running Animal Records in 1984.

1985: Separation from Debbie Harry

In 1985, Chris Stein and Debbie Harry ended their romantic relationship, but continued to work together professionally.

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.

1999: Marriage to Barbara Sicuranza

In 1999, Chris Stein married actress Barbara Sicuranza, with whom he has two daughters.

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.

2015: Guest Appearance on Songify the News

In 2015, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie made a guest appearance alongside The Gregory Brothers in an episode of Songify the News.

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2016: Parody of US Presidential Election Debates

In 2016, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein collaborated with The Gregory Brothers to create a parody of the 2016 United States presidential election debates.

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.