‘Unmatched’ Blondie drummer Clem Burke dies aged 70 after cancer diagnosis
By Casey Cooper-Fiske, PA Entertainment Reporter
Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died aged 70 after a cancer diagnosis, the band has said.
Born in New Jersey, US, Burke featured on all of the Debbie Harry-fronted band’s studio albums, from their self-titled debut, through their 1978 classic Parallel Lines, to 2017’s Pollinator, after joining the band a year after their formation in 1975.
In a statement on Blondie’s Instagram, Harry and the band’s guitarist Chris Stein said: “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.
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“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, a self proclaimed ‘rock and roll survivalist’, he played and collaborated with numerous iconic artists.”
Burke played on Iggy Pop’s 1982 album Zombie Birdhouse, and also performed with Bob Dylan, The Ramones, The Who guitarist Pete Townshend, and Joan Jett.
The statement continued: “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.”
Burke made his final live appearance with Blondie last year, and even performed with tribute act Bootleg Blondie in 2019.
The drummer performed on classic tracks such as Call Me, Heart Of Glass and One Way Or Another, scoring six UK number one singles and two UK number one albums.
The band began their career performing at New York’s CBGB and Max’s Kansas City clubs, which witnessed the birth of a number of pioneering punk bands, including the Patti Smith Group, Television, The Ramones and Talking Heads.
During their early days Burke was credited with keeping the band together after original bassist Fred Smith left to join Television, recruiting his friend Gary Valentine to take over.
He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with his fellow bandmates in 2006.