Blondie exhibition brings 1978 rock photography to Barbican Music Library

Barbican Music Library is set to transport visitors back to one of the most exciting years in rock history when it opens Blondie in Camera 1978, a free exhibition of rarely seen photographs and memorabilia celebrating the band’s breakthrough year.

Curated from four major New York assignments, photographer Martyn Goddard has selected 50 prints capturing Blondie on stage, backstage and in the recording studio, alongside tour posters, album sleeves, period cameras and personal artefacts from the band’s circle.

“When I boarded the plane in May 1978 to photograph Blondie’s lead singer, Debbie Harry, in New York, I could not have conceived that there would still be a demand for my images over 45 years later,” said Goddard.

“Blondie in Camera 1978 is my visual record of those images and memorabilia collected during a seminal time in the band’s history, and I hope visitors enjoy being reminded of the band’s energy, rawness and style.”

Running from 14th August 2025, the exhibition highlights a pivotal period when Blondie shifted from an underground New York act to international stardom. Their breakthrough album Parallel Lines and chart‑topping single Heart of Glass helped propel them onto FM radio and primetime television, leading to sold‑out tours across the UK, Europe and the US.

Adding further depth, items from the private collection of Alan Edwards – Blondie’s long‑standing publicist – will also be on display, spanning his remarkable career representing some of the biggest names in music, including David Bowie, Amy Winehouse, Prince and The Rolling Stones.

“Looking back with much fondness to this moment in rock music history, Martyn Goddard’s superb images of Blondie were everywhere – in newspapers, magazines, record covers, and on posters adorning teenagers’ bedroom walls,” said Brendan Barns, chairman of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee.

“This exhibition will certainly bring back vivid memories of one of the most electrifying bands of their generation.”

Visitors will also have the chance to meet Goddard on selected dates to sign copies of his new book, Blondie in Camera 1978, during the exhibition’s five‑month run.

This is a chance to step into a time when Blondie’s style and sound helped redefine modern music.

For more updates on exhibitions and culture across the Square Mile, visit EyeOnLondon City. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

[Image Credit: Wikimedia]

Follow us on:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!