Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died aged 70 following a ‘private battle with cancer’.
The rock band shared a tribute on Facebook on Monday which read: ‘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.
‘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 & 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.
Blondie star Clem Burke dead aged 70 after private battle with cancer as band pay tribute (pictured in 2023)
Chris Stein, Rob Roth, Deborah Harry and Clem at Storytellers: Blondie, Tribeca Film Festival in New York – pictured on Jun 15 2021
The rock band shared a tribute on Facebook on Monday which read: ‘It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke’
‘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.
‘Debbie, Chris, and the entire Blondie family.’
Having grown up in New Jersey, Clem moved to New York to join Blondie shortly after the band formed in 1975 and stayed with the group throughout its entire career.
He had a huge impact on the development of the band, recruiting his friend Gary Valentine to join as a bassist, and even kept them together, smoothing things over when founding members Debbie and Chris considering going their separate ways in its early days.
His drumming lit up huge hits including the group’s six number ones, Heart Of Glass, Sunday Girl, Atomic, Call Me, The Tide Is High and Maria.
Clem was well known for his entertaining stage presence, often leaping over his drum kit at the end of a Blondie show.
Having grown up in New Jersey, Clem (pictured, right, in 1978) joined Blondie shortly after the band formed in 1975 and stayed with the group throughout its entire career
He had a huge impact on the development of the band, even keeping them together, smoothing things over when Debbie and Chris considering going their separate ways (pictured: in 1979)
The star (left) was given the prestigious honour of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006
In the 2000s, with Blondie reunited, Clem (pictured, in 2011) played live with Nancy Sinatra and the Go-Go’s Kathy Valentine
During Blondie’s eventual 15-year hiatus from 1982 to 1997, Clem drummed for American punk band The Ramones under the name Elvis Ramone and was the regular drummer for The Romantics between 1990 and 2004.
The musician also took to the kit for the likes of Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Pete Townshend and Eurythmics.
In the 2000s, with Blondie reunited, Clem played live with Nancy Sinatra and the Go-Go’s Kathy Valentine.
The star was given the prestigious honour of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Clem was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire in 2011 after taking part in an eight-year study about the physical and psychological effects of drumming.
The same year he formed International Swingers with Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock and around the same time he was established the Split Squad.
Three years later, he was a founding member of the Empty Hearts, who released an album in 2014.
He even thrilled fans of the band by playing for tribute band Bootled Blondie in the 2010s while being a part of the group.
Bandmate Chris led the tributes to the drummer, posting two pictures 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 One Way Or Another
Fans and friends have also been sharing fond memories of the musician on social media
Bandmate Chris led the tributes to the drummer, posting two pictures 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’
Fans and 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’
Another user said: ‘RIP Clem Burke, one of the finest drummers of his generation.’
One added: ‘RIP to legendary Blondie dummer Clem Burke.’
Another posted: ‘Incredibly sad to hear the news about Clem Burke. Rest easy Dr Burke.’
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