Questions for Blondie Chaplin

[Niko]

Hello everyone,

I am currently in contact with Blondie, as I had some questions for him (that I'll hopefully be publishing) about his time with The Flame(s) and the creation of their 1970 album 'The Flame' which is a masterpiece.

However, I thought it would be nice to open a thread for everybody to ask him some questions. The Flame, The Beach Boys, his solo career, whatever. He's pretty busy, so I don't know when these will be answered, but the point is that some of them will be answered.

So ask away, and I'll relay what I can to him!

[bgas]

Why was he such a complete jack-off to the person that had a website (practically) dedicated to the Flames? 

[Mikie]

OK, here's a couple:

1. Do you have memories of singing "Carry Me Home" and working with Dennis (and Daryl Dragon) in the studio?
2. Who won the fist fight between you and Steve Love at Madison Square Garden, December, 1973?
3. How many tracks did you sing on Brian's new album?
4. Are you ever going to tour with The Stones again?
5. Tell him I enjoyed the hell out of his (Blondie's) rendition of Wild Honey on the MIC box (Jersey '72).

[alf wiedersehen]

Didn't you just play middle man with an author of some article who use to post here?

I seem to remember that being me.

[Mikie]

Oh, that was YOU???  Edit will be forthcoming....

[bluesno1fann]

I'd like to know if he's still friends with Ricky and if they've done anything ever since the BB's and Flames days

[superunison]

1) How did you meet David Johansen? Did you ever see the New York Dolls perform? What is the story behind the album "Here Comes The Night"?
2) Do you keep in contact with Ricky at all? The songs you wrote together for The Beach Boys were incredible, is there a chance you would write with him again?
3) are there any songs you wrote with Ricky/any of the BBs besides Carry Me Home, Hard Times and the studio version of We Got Love that remain unreleased?
4) Have you had the opportunity to listen to any of the material from the second Flame album since you recorded it? How would you compare it to the first Flame album that you recorded for Brother?

Thanks!!!

[LeeDempsey]

I met Blondie at a "Byrds Revisited" gig (with Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Rick Roberts, and Skip Battyn) in Charleston, SC back in 1986.  They played "Sail On Sailor," but Blondie laughed at my request for "Funky Pretty!"  At that time Blondie said that he didn't even have a copy of his own records with The Flames and The Flame.  Has he been able to track down copies for his own collection (or does he even care)?

EDIT: Another one -- Is the Les Paul gold top he plays today the same one that he had back in his Beach Boys days?

[Cabinessenceking]

How did Carl react to him leaving the band in 1973?

[Rocker]

I'd like to know if he's still friends with Ricky if they've done anything ever since the BB's and Flames days

IIRC Ricky played on Blondie's first soloalbum. And then there was a short Flame-reunion

[Fall Breaks]

Did he disappear entirely from the Beach Boys circle after he left, or did he maintain contact with any of the group members?

[J.G. Dev]

Ask him "what if the Beach Boys never existed" 

Seriously, ask what (if any) his plans are for 2014 in regards to possible further recording/touring with Brian (and Al & Dave).

[Smilin Ed H]

1.  Was it Al rather than Carl who brought you to the attention of the Beach Boys (a story I seem to remember hearing...)?
2.  Do you remember recording I've Got Love?
3.  How many of the other Beach Boys are on Hard Times, Leaving This Town, Hold On Dear Brother, Here She Comes?
4.  Were you really a bad influence on Keith Richards?

[pixletwin]

You guys should phrase your questions so they don't require "Yes" "No" type answers.

For example, rather than asking "Do you remember recording I've Got Love?"

you should instead ask

"What do you remember about recording I've Got Love?"
"What memories do you have of singing "Carry Me Home" and working with Dennis (and Daryl Dragon) in the studio?"

etc.

[Mikie]

Thanks for the advice, Dad.  It's not like we're asking Brian Wilson questions here! 

[pixletwin]

Brian would still give a question a one-word answer no matter how it was phrased if he didn't like the interviewer. 

[Mikie]

Were you really a bad influence on Keith Richards?

Good 'un, Ed!  

[Pretty Funky]

Ask Blondie if Keith Richards was a bad influence on him?

[punkinhead]

1) How did you meet David Johansen? Did you ever see the New York Dolls perform? What is the story behind the album "Here Comes The Night"?
2) Do you keep in contact with Ricky at all? The songs you wrote together for The Beach Boys were incredible, is there a chance you would write with him again?
3) are there any songs you wrote with Ricky/any of the BBs besides Carry Me Home, Hard Times and the studio version of We Got Love that remain unreleased?
4) Have you had the opportunity to listen to any of the material from the second Flame album since you recorded it? How would you compare it to the first Flame album that you recorded for Brother?

Thanks!!!

I second number 3.
Also, what are your memories and/or opinions of Jack Rieley?

[LdC]

I really want to know what it was like working with the stones and why is it he didn't join them for the last couple of tours?

[Jukka]

Tell about Brian's role on CATP & Holland - how much he was there, did he have any ideas or even opinions on Blondie's and Ricky's songs, were you even slightly genius-awestruck of him when you first met him, how do you he felt about you joining the group...

[busy doin nothin]

Is there any chance (please please please!) that the Flame's second album will ever see the light of day?  What is that album like?

[punkinhead]

Tell about Brian's role on CATP & Holland - how much he was there, did he have any ideas or even opinions on Blondie's and Ricky's songs, were you even slightly genius-awestruck of him when you first met him, how do you he felt about you joining the group...

I second that one too, that's a good one!

[Mikie]

Hey Woodstock, I think we got enough good questions here. Did you forward them to Blondie yet?

[The Shift]

Why hasn't Fragile Thread seen an official release?  Blondie's other two solo albums are fantastic – some of the most creative, contemporary Beach Boys' solo material – but this set in languishing. Would love to hear it sometime.