My Rock Moment: Blondie Chaplin - Legendary Guitarist, Singer and Former Beach Boy

My Rock Moment had the extraordinary privilege of catching up with Blondie Chaplin, a true legend whose musical journey reads like a who's-who of rock history. Born in Durban, South Africa, he first made waves as a teen with The Flames, eventually catching the attention of Carl Wilson, who helped bring him into the Beach Boys family in the early 1970s.

During our conversation, Blondie took me back to that pivotal era - remembering how he and Ricky Fataar joined the group following Bruce Johnston's departure and Dennis Wilson’s hand injury. It was a time when the band sought new identity and creative depth, and Blondie’s soulful presence helped shape that fresh direction.

We delved into the making of "Sail On, Sailor," the standout track from Holland (1973), which Blondie famously sang lead on. He shared how the song wasn’t just another composition. Recorded in a barn outside of Amsterdam and finished at Village Recorders in L.A., Blondie recalled how Carl and the rest of the band coaxed him into singing it, and how the performance eventually anchored the album.

Then we turned to his time with The Rolling Stones, where from 1997 onward, Blondie became an invaluable collaborator - touring, recording, and contributing acoustic guitar, percussion, and backing vocals for around ten years. He reflects on what it was like stepping into that legendary circle.

It was one of those interviews that reminds you: some musicians don’t just witness rock history - they help write it.

Find all things Blondie on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BlondieChaplin

Songs from this episode:

The Beach Boys - Sail On, Sailor

The Rolling Stones - Saint of Me

The Rolling Stones - Low Down

For more information on My Rock Moment and the Host, Amanda Morck:

www.myrockmoment.com

For more information on upcoming episodes and your regular dose of rock history follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la_woman_rocks

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