Gary Valentine writes about his new band, Fire Escape:

We've recently released a 5 track EP CD, "First Step," and are basically promoting it ourselves, at shows here in London and on the internet. From the response I've got from my Mojo articles, there's a lot of Blondie fans who would be interested in what I'm doing these days...

"Fire Escape: First Step" is available online (which is preferred) at Rough Trade Records, or from Norfolk Square Music [73 Dalehead, Harrington Square, London, NW1 2JL] for $12.00 (8.00 sterling), including postage and handling. Checks should be made payable to Gary Lachman, and drawn on either a US or UK bank. The email address fe@musicbank.net can be used if there are questions.

Fire Escape is comprised of myself on guitar and vocals; Ruth Vaughn on violin; Kieron Hunter on bass; Nick Pretzel on drums; and Will Heath on baritone sax. I've written most of the songs, with Ruth co-writer on two tunes. We play regularly on the London scene, and are currently organizing some dates in Germany and France. We're also looking to play the States later on in the year. The music is more or less late 70s New York 'new wave', with a mix of Indian raga and some funky jazz. One reviewer called it "Television meets X-Ray Specs."

You might also mention that I'll be publishing a book about my time with Blondie, Iggy Pop and other figures in New York and LA, with Sidgwick and Jackson (Macmillan) in fall of next year. An earlier book, "Turn Off Your Mind," about occultism and the 1960s, will be published by Sidgwick and Jackson in spring of 2001.

If you or anyone else wants more information about Fire Escape, or would like to be put on our mailing list, just write me at the above addresses. Thanks, and all the best, Gary Valentine

Appearances
We're playing at the Dublin Castle in Camden Town on May 4. Information at 0171-481-3005.

Gary Valentine was an original member of Blondie. He played bass guitar on Blondie's first album, and appeared at the first three shows (Washington D.C., Agawam MA, and Dallas TX) of the 1997 Blondie reunion.