Clem Burke in London in March 2023. Photo:
Dave J Hogan/Getty
Clem Burke, the drummer for Blondie, has died. He was 70.
The band announced his death on Facebook on Monday, April 7, noting that he died after being diagnosed 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 post began.
“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,” the band’s statement continued.
Clem Burke in Los Angeles in 1991. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Burke’s influence had gone beyond his time with Blondie, per the social media post, noting that he was a “self proclaimed ‘Rock & Roll survivalist’.” As a session drummer, he performed and collaborated with many artists including Eurythmics, The Ramones, Bob Dylan, Joan Jett, The Go-Gos and Bob Geldof, to name a few.
“His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of.”
Blondie then offered their “deepest condolences” to Burke’s family, friends and fans. “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,” the statement concluded.
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“Godspeed, Dr. Burke,” members Debbie Harry and Chris Stein signed on behalf of the entire Blondie family.
Burke was born in Bayonne, N.J. on Nov. 24, 1957, per Ultimate Classic Rock. He joined Harry, 79, and Stein, 75, in Blondie in 1975 in New York City and was the drummer for all the new wave band’s albums, including their eponymous debut album in 1975. Per Express, Burke recruited Gary Valentine as the band’s bassist.
The band broke up in 1980 following Autoamerican‘s release. They reunited more than 15 years later and Burke is also part of the album No Exit in 1999, along with their most recent record Pollinator in 2017 and everything in between, contributing to every record the band put out during its existence.
Frank Infante, Clem Burke, Debbie Harry, Nigel Harrison and Chris Stein in the Netherlands in September 1978. Rob Verhorst/Redferns
Burke was inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 with Harry and Stein.
In 2024, he told the outlet Psychedelic! Baby Mag that he had “nearly completed” his memoir, to be published by Hachette in the U.S. and HarperCollins in the UK. “We’ve recorded a new Blondie album scheduled for early 2025,” Burke added at the time.
“We’re considering a few special ways to promote it, such as residencies around the world and possibly a video album project similar to what we did with the ‘Eat to the Beat’ album.”
He is survived by his wife, Ellen, whom he married in 2002.
