Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died aged 70.
The legendary rocker joined the iconic US rock band in 1975 and appeared on all of the band’s albums, meaning he was behind huge hits like Denis, Heart of Glass, and One Way or Another. He also played drums for US punk titans the Ramones in 1987, under the stage name Elvis Ramone.
Clem’s Blondie bandmates announced his sad passing on Monday (April 7) with a heartfelt tribute online. They told fans Clem was the “heartbeat” of the group and that his “contributions to band’s sound and success are immeasurable”.
In a statement, they wrote: “It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie. His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable.
“Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie.
(Image: Getty Images)
They proceeded to name all of the iconic artists Clem played with over the years, including music giants like Bob Dylan, Joan Jett, Iggy Pop. They continued: “A self proclaimed “Rock & Roll survivalist”, he played and collaborated with numerous iconic artists, including Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Chequered Past, The Fleshtones, The Romantics, Dramarama, The Adult Net, The Split Squad, The International Swingers, L.A.M.F., Empty Hearts, Slinky Vagabond, and even the Go-Go’s.
“His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of. We extend our deepest condolences to Clem’s family, friends, and fans around the world. His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched.
(Image: PA)
“As we navigate this profound loss, we ask for privacy during this difficult time. Godspeed, Dr. Burke. Debbie, Chris, and the entire Blondie family.”
Clem was a drumming powerhouse who used to leapfrog over his drumkit at the end of their gigs. When Blondie broke up after their final album in 1982, he went on to play for the Romantics and the likes of Dylan, The Who’s Pete Townsend, Joan Jett, and the Fleshtones.
In 2007, Clem teamed up with David Bowie guitarist Earl Slick, Glen Matlock, and Keanan Duffty as a member of Slinky Vagabond. He even played with Blondie tribute act Bootleg Blondie in 2019.
He pulled off an impressive feat when he played 90-minute sets at 100 concerts in a year. In 2008 it was revealed he’d taken part in an eight-year study on the effects of drumming and the stamina required for it.
As a member of Blondie, Clem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. The group has sold over 40 million records worldwide and toured all over the world.
Blondie was formed by singer Debbie Harry and her partner, guitarist Chris Stein – who later recruited Clem Burke and bassist Gary Valentine. The group broke up in 1982 before reforming in 1997, this time comprised of Debbie, Chris, Leigh Foxx on bass, Tommy Kessler on guitar and Matt Katz-Bohen on keyboard.
Clem was credited for holding the group together when Stein and Harry considered disbanding the group after former bassist Fred Smith left the band and joined Television. In November 2021, he reunited with Blondie on their Against The Odds tour.
In 2008, Clem founded the Clem Burke Drumming project to investigate the physical and mental health benefits of drumming. His last studio feature would come in 2015 with The International Swingers – they recorded the record Studio 606 in LA, which is owned by the Foo Fighters.
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