Off The Record
Iconic Blondie Band Member Dies At 70—Band Honors Legacy In Heartfelt Tribute
A ‘secret battle with cancer’ claimed the life of Blondie drummer Clem Burke, who was 70 years old.
“It is with great sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer,” the rock group wrote in a Facebook tribute posted Monday.
“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.”
Everyone he came into contact with was impacted by his contagious enthusiasm, lively spirit, and unwavering work ethic. Clem’s impact went much beyond Blondie.
He played and collaborated with many legendary artists, such as the 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. He reportedly referred to himself as a “Rock & Roll survivalist.”
“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.”
“As we navigate this profound loss, we ask for privacy during this difficult time. Godspeed,” Dr. Burke.
“Chris, Debbie, and the whole Blondie family.”
Clem, who was raised in New Jersey, joined Blondie in New York soon after the band’s formation in 1975 and remained with the group for the duration of its existence.
He had a significant influence on the band’s growth, luring his friend Gary Valentine to play bass and even keeping the group together when founding members Debbie and Chris were thinking about splitting up in the early going.
Heart of Glass, Sunday Girl, Atomic, Call Me, The Tide Is High, Maria, and the group’s six number ones were all lighted up by his drumming.
Known for his charismatic stage persona, Clem frequently jumped over his drum kit at the conclusion of a Blondie performance.
Clem played drums for American punk band The Ramones under the stage name Elvis Ramone during Blondie’s eventual 15-year absence from 1982 to 1997. From 1990 until 2004, he was the regular drummer for The Romantics.
The musician also performed for artists such as Pete Townshend, Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, and the Eurythmics.
When Blondie got back again in the 2000s, Clem performed live alongside Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go and Nancy Sinatra.
In 2006, the celebrity received the esteemed honor of being admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
After participating in an eight-year study on the psychological and physical impacts of drumming, Clem received an honorary doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire in 2011.
In the same year that he founded the Split Squad, he also launched International Swingers with Glen Matlock, bassist for Sex Pistols.
He was one of the original members of the Empty Hearts three years later, and the band put out an album in 2014.
In the 2010s, he even delighted the band’s admirers by performing with tribute band Bootled Blondie.
The tributes to the drummer were spearheaded by bandmate Chris, who shared two images of Clem on his X account.
The Charlatans front man Tim Burgess said, “oh man. Clem Burke was the epitome of a super cool drummer – so influential and a lovely guy,” adding a video of a riproaring rendition of One Way Or Another.
He added, “I love it that Clem Burke was in a Blondie tribute band at the same time as actually being in Blondie.”
Former Kinks guitarist Dave Davies said, “I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace. Spectacular drumming. We were friends. #clemburke”
Friends have also been sharing fond memories of the musician on social media, with Ryan Hamilton posting, “Very sad to hear that my friend @clem_burke has passed.”
“He was, of course, the legendary drummer for @Blondie Official… but he was also a genuinely good guy. I was honored to know him, and call him a friend. Rest in peace, Clem #cancersucks”
Eric Alper added, “Clem Burke, longtime drummer of Blondie, has died at the age of 70 following a private battle with cancer. A founding member since 1975, Burke played on every Blondie album and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.”
After learning about the tragedy, Clem and the band’s admirers have gone to X to share their messages.
“RIP to legendary Blondie dummer Clem Burke.”
“Incredibly sad to hear the news about Clem Burke. Rest easy Dr Burke.”
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of one of my all time drummers Clem Burke. The beating heart of this iconic band and one of the finest of his and any generation.”
“We lose another great drummer…..Clem Burke. Great drummer. Great look. Not only an amazing career weilding the sticks for Blondie but also several Heritage Chart Hits with Tall Poppy Syndrome. Sad loss for Vince, Jonathan, Paul, Alec, Carla et al .. What a legacy.”
Clem supported a scientific study in 2023 that indicated that after eight weeks of drumming instruction, youngsters with autism showed fewer symptoms.
It recommended teaching drumming in schools as a way to aid kids with autism and dyslexia.
The Blondie star claimed at the time that drumming was a “very positive lifestyle.”
Describing the research project at The Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition in London, he said: “We found the physical and mental attributes of drumming are a very positive lifestyle.”
“And it only gets better as you get older as long as you can keep doing it. “
“And also we are finding that children with autism, for instance, can really take to simple drumming exercises.”
He suggested that drumming lessons for autistic students be offered in UK schools.
For parents who might baulk at a child saying they want a drum kit for Christmas, Clem said, “If a kid’s motivated to do something like drumming, you don’t really want to stop the creative process.”
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