Rock 'n' Roll Icon Clem Burke of Blondie Passes Away at 70
- legendary Blondie drummer perishes at 70 years old
In a heart-wrenching blow to the music world, we bid farewell to Clem Burke – beloved drummer of iconic New Wave band Blondie – who died at age 70 due to complications from cancer. Bandmates Debbie Harry (79) and Chris Stein (75) shared the grim news on Facebook with a poignant statement.
"With profound sorrow, we share the news of our cherished friend and bandmate, Clem Burke, who lost his battle with cancer," reads the heartfelt statement from Debbie Harry and Chris Stein. "Clem wasn't just a drummer; he was the pulsating heartbeat of Blondie."
Pioneer in US Rock Drumming Scene
Born in November 1954, Clem Burke was one of the driving forces behind the American punk and rock movements, drawing thousands with his electrifying style and leaves behind a legacy steeped in influences, such as hits like "Heart of Glass," "Call Me," and "Atomic." Rolling Stone ranks Burke #61 among "The 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time."
Pet drums in hand since Blondie's early days in the 70s, Burke left his footprint on every Blondie album, albeit not within their initial ranks. Their final studio album together, "Pollinator," was released in 2017. "Clem's unparalleled talent, vitality, and love for music were unsurpassed, and his mark on our sound and success cannot be overstated," his bandmates highlighted his musical impact.
Clem Burke: The Chameleon of Rock
Not only did Burke leave an indelible imprint on Blondie, but he stretched his talents to collaborate with an array of renowned artists. In the bandmates' statement, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein pointed to his impressive musical ventures outside the group:
"A self-proclaimed 'Rock & Roll Survivor,' Clem leaves behind a legacy of collaborations with icons such as Iggy Pop (77), Bob Dylan (83), Eurythmics, Bob Geldof (73), Joan Jett, the Ramones, and numerous others."
Beyond Blondie, Burke's adaptability and virtuosity allowed him to carve out a niche as a sought-after session musician, imprinting his mark on various genres over the decades. In recognition of his contributions to rock music, Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Blondie in 2006.
- The New York Times – Clement Burke, Drummer for Blondie, Dies at 70
- Ultimate Guitar – Clem Burke – Bio, Career, Discography, and Awards
- AllMusic – Clem Burke
- Rolling Stone – The 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time
- The Guardian – Clement Burke obituary
Sources:
Notable Collaborations Beyond Blondie
- Joan Jett: Burke had the pleasure of working with Joan Jett on various projects, cementing his status as a versatile drummer in the punk and rock scene.
- Iggy Pop: Burke played drums on Iggy Pop's 1982 solo album Zombie Birdhouse, showcasing his adaptability to punk and post-punk genres.
- The Ramones: For a brief stint, Burke joined The Ramones, performing under the pseudonym "Elvis Ramone."
- Bob Dylan: Burke played drums for Bob Dylan on the track "Under Your Spell," produced by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics.
- Eurythmics: Burke lent his talent to several Eurythmics albums, including In the Garden and the hit album Revenge, featuring the Grammy-winning song "Missionary Man."
- Steve Jones and Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols): Burke collaborated with Steve Jones and briefly envisioned a supergroup with Glen Matlock and Bay City Rollers members.
- The Fleshtones: Burke played alongside The Fleshtones as part of his eclectic musical endeavors outside of Blondie.
- I'm not gonna let you go, Clem Burke – a versatile drummer whose influence spanned from Blondie to Eurythmics during the defining years of US rock in the 1970s and beyond.
- Mourning the loss of Clem Burke, the drummer who played an essential role in Blondie, left his footprint on various Blondie albums, and collaborated with renowned artists like Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, and Eurythmics in the 1970s and beyond.
- In 1974, Clem Burke was born and went on to become one of the pillars of the American punk and rock movements, culminating in his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Blondie in 2006. His legacy includes collaborations with notable artists, such as Joan Jett, Eurythmics, and Iggy Pop.
