Picture this - the same sultry looks; the same punk image; the edgy vocals, even an almost identical name Debbie Harris has her heroine down to a tee.

Debbie and the boys have met members of the original Blondie, and have had the accolade of being officially endorsed by the band and by Ms Harry herself. We caught up with the outrageous lookalike to talk everything from binliners to Butlins.

Were you in a band or in the music industry before setting up Bootleg Blondie?

Yes, I was in an originals band with Andy our guitarist, called Too Darn Hot, we released two singles which we put out ourselves! Also under the psuedonym Granny Takes A Trip, we recorded a track on the Small Faces tribute album Long Agos And Worlds Apart, which also featured Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene, Primal Scream and The Buzzcocks to name but a few!

How long have you been touring with the band?

Bootleg Blondie has been playing for 6 years.

Why Blondie? Are you a longtime Debbie Harry fan?

Yes I've always been a big Blondie fan. My first ever album given to me was Parallel Lines.

Is it a coincidence that your name is Debbie Harris or did you change your name in tribute?

Debbie is my real name and my longtime partner Andy's surname is Harris so I've taken his name - ha ha!!

Have you met the band? If so, what was it like to meet your idols?

Yes we have met members of the band, and we're always down the front when they play over here. We've had guitars, our bass drum skin and lots of Blondie memorabilia signed. When Debbie Harry heard that we were to play CBGBs in New York she sent us a lovely message wishing us good luck!

Once the makeups on, do you automatically get into the persona of Debbie?

Once I'm on stage I put everything into the show. I love the songs and the lyrics. People forget what a good lyricist Debbie Harry is.

Whats the most outrageous outfit youve ever worn?

The Hardest Part outfit. This consists of a long brunette wig, some pieces of black material held together with string, black leather gloves and high stilettos. Ive also been known to wear dustbin liners, thigh length boots and t shirts with more holes than t shirt!

Whats the best gig youve ever played?

We are the only Blondie tribute band to have played CBGBs in New York City that has to be the best gig. It was the home of underground rock and the place where Blondie, The Ramones, The Talking Heads and many of the early punk and new wave bands started out. It has now closed down and we are proud to say that we headlined there in 2006.

What do you love about Butlins and the Weekender audience?

Butlins is such fun, it's the best! We love the way everyone dresses up and the atmosphere is fantastic. The stage crew are brilliant too. Everywhere you look everyone is having a good time and it's a gig that we always look forward to.

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Related links

• 80s Madness Big Weekends
• Copycats - supporting bands