It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clem Burke, the esteemed drummer of Blondie, who has died at the age of 70 after a courageous fight against cancer.
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Born in New Jersey in November 1954, Burke was a vital part of Blondie, contributing his talents to every studio album from their self-titled debut to the acclaimed Parallel Lines in 1978, and even their latest work, Pollinator, released in 2017. He joined the band in 1975, just a year after its formation, and quickly became known as the band’s heartbeat.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, the band expressed, “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.” They went on to honor him not only for his musicianship but also for his vibrant spirit and rock-solid work ethic, which “touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Burke was more than just a drummer for Blondie; he was a self-proclaimed “Rock & Roll survivalist.” His collaborations spanned decades, showcasing his talents with iconic artists like Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, and Joan Jett, to name just a few. His contributions to music have truly left a lasting impact across various genres.
Among those paying tribute to Burke was Kinks guitarist Dave Davies, who shared his sorrow on X, stating, “I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace, spectacular drumming, we were friends.” Similarly, Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart added, “So saddened about Clem’s passing, we had amazing adventures together and a mind-blowing live drummer to play alongside. RIP.”
Tributes continued to pour in, with Bryan Adams commenting on Blondie’s post, “Great drummer, condolences to his family, Debbie, and all our friends in Blondie. RIP.”
Prior to joining Blondie, Burke honed his craft with local bands like Bayonne, Total Environment, and Sweet Willie Jam Band during the late ’60s and early ’70s. His innovative drumming played a crucial role in propelling Blondie to international stardom with hits such as “Denis,” “Dreaming,” “Picture This,” and “Union City Blue.”
Even after Blondy went on hiatus, Burke continued to perform, collaborating with numerous artists, including Bob Geldof and The Ramones. His last live appearance with Blondie was in 2022, and he even performed with the tribute band Bootleg Blondie in 2019.
The band began its journey at New York’s iconic CBGB and Max’s Kansas City clubs, nurturing the birth of the punk movement alongside legendary acts like the Patti Smith Group and Talking Heads. Burke was credited with maintaining the band’s unity, especially after the departure of original bassist Fred Smith, successfully recruiting his friend Gary Valentine.
In recognition of their musical contributions, Burke and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
As we remember Clem Burke, we’re reminded of the words of the band: “His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched. Godspeed, Dr. Burke.” He will be dearly missed by family, friends, fellow musicians, and fans around the world.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
