Posted on 04/07/2025 12:45:42 PM PDT by nickcarraway
The ‘heartbeat of Blondie’ and session player for the likes of Eurythmics, Bob Dylan, and Iggy Pop, died following a ‘private battle with cancer.’
Clem Burke, best known as the drummer of Blondie, has died at age 70. A statement from the band said that his death follows a “private battle with cancer.”
“Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie,” the band added. “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.”
Burke was recruited by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein to join Blondie in 1975 and he played on all of the band’s albums, including their 1976 self-titled debut and iconic record’s like 1978’s Parallel Lines and 1979’s Eat to the Beat. When Blondie disbanded in 1982 following The Hunter, Burke became an in-demand session drummer.
“A self-proclaimed ‘Rock & Roll survivalist,’ he played and collaborated with numerous iconic artists, including 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,” the band wrote in their statement. “His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of.”
Burke joined Blondie when it reformed in the 1990s and released five more records between 1999 and 2017.
Born Clement Anthony Bozewski on November 24, 1954, Burke followed in the footsteps of his drummer father while coming of age in Bayonne, New Jersey. Left-handed but playing a right-handed kit (like his hero Ringo Starr), a teenage Burke played in some cover bands while marching in a drum corps. He moved to New York and teamed up with Harry and Stein. “My quest was to find my David Bowie, my Jim Morrison or my Mick Jagger to front a band,” Burke told Tidal in 2022. “I was emphatic about that. I needed to work with people that I felt had that sort of charisma and creativity.”
Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 alongside bandmates Harry, Stein, founding keyboardist Jimmy Destri and bassist Gary Valentine and guitarist Frank Infante.
Last year, Burke performed as part of the group Lust For Life, an Iggy Pop tribute project. He also played in the band Tall Poppy Syndrome, which featured Members of the Bee Gees, The Jigsaw Seen, and Strangers in a Strange Land.
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WATCH BLONDIE CLEM BURKE PERFORMING UP-CLOSE
Bummer. Amazing drummer. Dreaming is one of my favorites by him. He was still killing that song to this day. RIP, Clem, and thanks for all the great music and memories.
Great drummer. RIP.
Debbie Harry is near 80.
Dropping like flies......................
So sad.
70 is the new 90.
Ping
“Dreaming” is my favorite Blondie song.
He marched with St. Andrews Bridgemen (later to become the even more famous Bayonne Bridgemen) for you Drum and Bugle Corps fans out there...
This guy was surely in the top 10 rock drummers of all time.
Probably top 5.
He always reminded me of a young Paul McCartney.
He always reminded me of a young Paul McCartney.
Did he ever march with Madison?
I consider 70s music to be the Dark Ages of music. I can’t stand listening to most of it to this day. When “Heart of Glass” came out in 1979 it really heralded what was to become the Renaissance that the 80s were. Blondie will always be one of my all-time favorite groups.
All that is over now. Does Jesus know him, is all we keep.
Pharoah’s pyramids build over other pharoahs....hills of shifting sand.
God have mercy on his soul.
Rest in Peace Clem. He was a favorite here. He looked like a Trump voter to me.
Mine too.
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