Reminiscing on punk

When you work in song-writing like I did, nothing is more important than the song. It is always a thrill to first hear a song, a fresh raw recording by a writer, you might even be one of the first people to ever hear it, and you think ‘that could be a hit!’ People forget how many exceptional song-writers punk and new wave and post-punk produced. I was one the few women executives in the music industry at the time. I hit the glass ceiling when I was eventually promoted to Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Chrysalis Music Group USA. Sadly, there were few women in this position, but I was determined to help female label workers, managers and artists. I was really lucky to work with Blondie, one of the world's best punk rock bands, with the beautiful Debbie Harry. I first saw them perform at the then famous CBGBs. The music was raw and very loud. Ear splitting. Their debut album was produced by a friend of mine, Richard Gottehrer (also a song writer "My Boyfriend's Back") "Blondie" (first released on Private Stock) and subsequently on Chrysalis. I remember visiting the band in rehearsal with Mike Chapman and inviting them for lunch. Debbie was hesitant and I carefully replied that she didn't have to join us. She did. A few years later I remember going to visit Debbie with Jack Craigo. I asked if there was anything I could to help (she was looking after Chris, who was seriously ill) and she replied - help me clean, please? I responded absolutely I would love to help you. Sadly, Debbie never took me up on the offer. It would be hard to pick a favourite gig. On one occasion, they arrived at the Beverly Hills opening of Fiorrici in an army tank! Perhaps the Hollywood Bowl gig was my favourite. (I never knew this at the time – it was designed by Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry and Myron Hunt – seems fitting for the modern pop with attitude of Blondie). I took Frankie Miller and Doctor John as my guests and they were quite funny afterwards. Definitely, did not understand punk. They are also very talented songwriters. Another outstanding gig was seeing the very talented Jack Lee and his band, The Nerves for the first time. Again, ear shattering. Madam Wongs, I believe. Jack in an amazing songwriter. Blondie covered two of his songs - Hangin' On The Telephone and Will Anything Happen? He became and remains a good friend of mine. Later Paul Young covered three of his songs, including "Come Back and Stay", "Sex" and "Oh Woman". Jack recently returned to Los Angeles, but sadly I was not able to see him although we did email each other. He was pleased to hear that I am hoping to write an autobiography and paid me the compliment of telling me that I had great ears and there were many songwriters grateful to me. Billy Idol, with the curled sneer and managed by Bill Aucoin and Brendan Bourke was another talented punk singer/songwriter. White Wedding is my favourite. Billy's shows were loud and exciting with the very talented guitarist, Steve Stevens on guitar. With Billy and Bill Aucoin in a hotel on Sunset Boulevard, I was more than amused to be invited by Billy to try on the frilly underwear he had bought his girlfriend. Another fond memory I have is of meeting Henry Rollins for the first time after watching his show. I told him that I had loved his show and had he ever thought of producing a get fit video. Everyone around gasped, however, Henry said only one word, "yes".​