“Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie. He was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage”: Clem Burke, drummer for Blondie, dead at 70

Clem Burke
Clem Burke in 1979, the year of Blondie's classic Eat To The Beat album (Image credit: Getty Images/Maureen Donaldson)

Clem Burke, the brilliant and charismatic drummer for Blondie, has died aged 70.

Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, Burke joined the New York-based band in 1975.

He played on every Blondie album and every one of the group’s hit singles - including such era-defining classics as Heart Of Glass, Denis, Sunday Girl, Picture This, Call Me, Union City Blue, Atomic, Dreaming, The Tide Is High and the groundbreaking Rapture.

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In times when Blondie were inactive, Burke performed and recorded with a variety of high-profile artists, among them Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Pete Townshend and fellow New York legends the Ramones.

An official statement from Blondie comments: “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.”

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Paul Elliott
Guitars Editor

Paul Elliott has worked for leading music titles since 1985, including Sounds, Kerrang!, MOJO and Q. He is the author of several books including the first biography of Guns N’ Roses and the autobiography of bodyguard-to-the-stars Danny Francis. He has written liner notes for classic album reissues by artists such as Def Leppard, Thin Lizzy and Kiss. He lives in Bath - of which David Coverdale recently said: “How very Roman of you!”

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