Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died after battling most cancers. He was 70-years-old.
The legendary sticksman was recruited by frontwoman Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein shortly after they shaped in 1975, who as we speak (April 7) described him because the “heartbeat of Blondie”.
In an announcement on social media the duo stated: “It’s with profound disappointment that we relay information of the passing of our beloved buddy and bandmate Clem Burke following a non-public battle with most cancers. Clem was not only a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie.
“His expertise, vitality, and fervour for music had been unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. Past his musicianship, Clem was a supply of inspiration each on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock stable work ethic touched everybody who had the privilege of realizing him. Clem’s affect prolonged far past Blondie.”
They went on to explain him as a self proclaimed “Rock & Roll survivalist”, who performed and collaborated with quite a few iconic artists, together with Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Chequered Previous, The Fleshtones, The Romantics, Dramarama, The Grownup Internet, The Break up Squad, The Worldwide Swingers, L.A.M.F., Empty Hearts, Slinky Vagabond, and even the Go-Go’s whose “affect and contributions have spanned a long time and genres, leaving an indelible mark on each mission he was part of.”
The pair added: “We lengthen our deepest condolences to Clem’s household, mates, and followers world wide. His legacy will reside on by way of the super quantity of music he created and the numerous lives he touched. As we navigate this profound loss, we ask for privateness throughout this troublesome time. Godspeed, Dr. Burke.”
He was credited for retaining the group collectively after Stein and Harry thought-about disbanding in 1975 following the departure of authentic bassist Fred Smith to Tv. He remained with Blondie all through his whole profession.
Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess was one of many first to pay tribute to the late drummer.
He wrote: “Oh man Clem Burke was the epitome of a brilliant cool drummer – so influential and a beautiful man.”
oh man
Clem Burke was the epitome of a brilliant cool drummer – so influential and a beautiful man pic.twitter.com/6iXLnPfkXG
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) April 7, 2025
Burgess additionally hailed the actual fact Clem additionally as soon as carried out with a Blondie tribute band Bootleg Blondie Band.
I adore it that Clem Burke was in a Blondie tribute band concurrently truly being in Blondie pic.twitter.com/2MskSbXBpj
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) April 7, 2025
It is a creating story.
