Clem Burke Blondie Drummer Passes Away After Cancer Battle
Clem Burke, Blondie Drummer, Passes Away After Cancer Battle
Blondie’s official statement confirmed that Burke was an irreplaceable member of the band, without revealing further details about the circumstances or date of his passing.
A Heartfelt Tribute from Blondie
In a poignant farewell, Blondie shared a statement on Instagram:
“Clem was not just a drummer, he was the pulse of Blondie. His talent, energy, and passion for music were unparalleled, and his contributions to our success cannot be measured.”
The band highlighted Burke’s impact, which extended beyond Blondie, as he collaborated with notable musicians such as Eurhythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, and Nancy Sinatra, among others. They praised his rich legacy and diverse contributions to multiple genres and decades of music.
A Fierce and Unconventional Career
Born in New Jersey, Clem Burke began drumming at 14 in his school band, but was kicked out for playing too loudly. His professional career kicked off in the 1970s, when he responded to a newspaper ad seeking a “high-energy” drummer. This led to his long and storied journey with Debbie Harry and the rest of Blondie.
Burke remained true to his self-proclaimed title: “Rock ‘n’ Roll Warrior,” until the very end of his musical career.
