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Blonde And Beyond - Blondie Tribute Band

Blonde and Beyond are the result of a musical collaboration between guitarist James Burton and singer Marylyn Maxwell.

"We were attracted to the idea of a tribute to Blondie as soon as the suggestion came up" says guitarist James Burton "there were so many good songs to choose from - I just wanted to play them all".

Blonde & Beyond have recruited the services of the cream of South East Essex's rock musicians and this enables them to re-create accurately the early Blondie material, so dependant on committed ensemble playing.

On Fender bass is Russ Strothard, whose credits include the touring band of Dr. Feelgood's ex-guitarist Wilko Johnson. Russ is first choice bass player for any decent band in his home town of Southend-on-Sea, but everything goes on hold for a Blonde & Beyond gig. His huge vinyl record collection includes every UK Blondie release, and when he was approached to join Blonde & Beyond he astonished the band by casually mentioning that he knew every Blondie song by heart! At a pinch he could sing them all too, but we keep true to the Blondie spirit and limit him to (excellent) backing vocals.

A succession of 'sold out' band gigs this year have shown Blondie's appeal to be undiminished, and Blonde & Beyond make sure that the right mix of nostalgia and cutting-edge new tracks combine to give a balanced set that builds to an all-dancing finale.