Clem Burke, Blondie’s life drummer, has died at age 70. This has been communicated by his bandmates, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, on social networks: “It is with a deep sadness with which we report the death of our dear friend and partner following a private battle with cancer.”
Recruited in 1975 shortly after the Blondie Foundation, Burke is described by his companions as the band’s “heartbeat”: “Her talent, energy and passion for music had no comparison, and her contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. Beyond his talent, Clem was an inspiration fuenta both on stage and outside it ».
Burke granted an interview with Jenesaispop in 2014 in which he talked openly about his beginnings in Blondie and in the music industry: «When I met Debbie and Chris in the middle of the 70s and I was Diechiocho, I looked for someone who had the charisma and all the packaging of David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Jim Morrison … and it turned out that I found it, but I found it, but I found it. For me, it was obvious instantly ».
This was in charge of keeping the band together after the original bassist, Fred Smith, became part of Television, signing his friend Gary Valentine. The renowned drummer remained in Blondie for the rest of his career. In the band’s pause period, between 1982 and 1997, Burke played for the Ramones, The Romantics, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Pete Townshend, Eurythmics, Joan Jett or Nancy Sinatra, among others.
In his interview with Jnesaispop, he said he felt “disappointed” with the band’s break, since he enjoyed every minute of being part of her: “I have always enjoyed being part of Blondie. It was a dream come true. I was very disappointed when we stopped so many years ».
Clem Burke has touched the battery in all Blondie’s 1 numbers, including ‘Call Me’, ‘The Tide Is High’ and ‘Rapture’. Thus, he was introduced to the Rock Fame in 2006 with all his bandmates. Now, different personalities and friends of the industry are honoring the battery. Among them, Tim Burges of The Charlatans, Dave Davie of The Kinks or Nile Rodgers.
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Oh man
Clem Burke was The Epitome of A Super Cool Drummer – So Influential and A Lovely Guy pic.twitter.com/6ixlnpfkxg
– Tim Burgess (@tim_burges) April 7, 2025
I Feel Saddened That Clem Burke Was Taken from Us So Soon. May I rest in peace. Spectacular drumming. We were Friends. #Clemburke https://t.co/pbjg0hpsjv
– Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) April 7, 2025
