Blondie drummer Clem Burke died at age 70 following a battle with cancer.
“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,” the band announced via Facebook on Monday, April 7. “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.”
The tribute noted that Burke 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,” the post read.
“Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie,” the statement continued. “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 post noted that Burke’s “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,” the statement concluded. “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.”
The post was signed by members Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and “the entire Blondie family.”
Burke rose to stardom when he joined Blondie in 1975 as a member of the band alongside Harry, now 79, and Stein, now 75. After releasing the album Autoamerican in 1980, Blondie broke up. The band reunited more than a decade later, with Burke playing on 1999’s No Exit.
“I like to play music, so I don’t really look at it as work, especially when I do things with my friends and my little side projects that I have with various bands. With drumming, you kind of have to keep doing it. You don’t really wanna lose your chops. You wanna be prepared to play when you have to play,” Burke told Tidal in 2022. “So it works both ways. I help people out by playing with them, and they help me to keep my abilities together.”
Burke, Harry and Stein were inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. He is survived by wife Ellen.
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