Blondie Drummer Clem Burke Passes Away, Aged 70
"Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie," his bandmates wrote.
Blondie @ Pandemonium Festival (Credit: Joshua Braybrook)
Clem Burke, the drummer of the beloved American new wave group Blondie, has passed away. He was 70.
The band shared the sad news on Instagram on Monday (7 April), writing that Burke had died following a “private battle with cancer.”
Burke, born Clement Anthony Bozewski in New Jersey on 24 November 1954, joined Blondie in 1975, not long after singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein formed the band. He played on all of their albums, from their self-titled debut in 1976 to Parallel Lines (1978) and Autoamerican (1980), all the way to their latest album, Pollinator (2017).
Between the band’s breakup in 1982 and reformation in 1997, Burke kept busy, writing, recording, and performing with many artists and bands, including The Romantics, Pete Townshend, Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, Joan Jett, Nancy Sinatra, and an eight-year stint with The Eurythmics.
Burke played on three albums with The Eurythmics, including their 1986 Grammy Award-winning single, Missionary Man. Burke also formed a supergroup, Chequered Past, in 1983 with Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, former Blondie bassist Nigel Harrison, singer Michael Des Barres, and bassist Tony Sales.
In a tribute to their bandmate, Blondie highlighted his achievements in the band and his numerous side projects.
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Describing Burke as the “heartbeat” of the band, the group said his “talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable.”
They ended the post by sending condolences to Burke’s loved ones, adding: “His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched.”
You can read the band’s touching tribute below.
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, Nancy Sinatra, 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. 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.
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