Clem Burke dead: Tributes pour in for Blondie drummer
Clem Burke, the drummer for Blondie, has sadly died at the age of 70, following a private battle with cancer. Tributes pour in for the member of the iconic American rock band, responsible for massive hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Burke first sat behind the drums in the 1960s as part of New Jersey cover band The Bayonnes, before being recruited to join Blondie in 1974 by lead singer Debbie Harry and then officially joining the group the following year. Burke was not only pivotal in keeping Blondie together, but also garnered a seismic career of his own right after they disbanded in the 1980s, drumming for the likes of Bob Dylan, Eurythmics, and Iggy Pop.
In between the heights of world rapture with Blondie, Burke also joined The Ramones for two gigs in 1987, under the name Elvis Ramone. Among many other musical ventures, he also joined the supergroup Slinky Vagabond alongside David Bowie, Glen Matlock, Earl Slick, and Keanan Duffty.
As the news of his death breaks, tributes are pouring in from across the music world for the pivotal drummer who was so crucial to forming new wave sound.
In their statement announcing his death, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein said: “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.”
In a separate post, Stein shared images of Burke on X and also wrote, “I know he’d want to thank all of you for being supportive all these years.”
The musician Ryan Hamilton said on X: “Very sad to hear that my friend Clem Burke has passed. He was, of course, the legendary drummer for Blondie… but he was also a genuinely good guy. I was honored to know him, and call him a friend. Rest in peace, Clem #cancersucks.”
Additionally, Manchester poet Longfella, real name Tony Walsh, paid tribute by saying: “Sad to hear the news about Blondie’s Clem Burke. Such a great drummer in such an important band. Bringing the heartbeat to their effortlessly cool bridging of the worlds of punk, pop, disco and rap.”
The Smiths’ Johnny Marr, who toured with Blondie in 2022 and has also recorded songs with the band, said on X: “Rest in peace Clem. A musical great and one of the good guys.”
Smiths drummer Mike Joyce also said: “Clem Burke man. What a drummer/performer.”
Gary Kemp from Spandau Ballet said on Instagram: “Such sad news to hear of the passing of the legend, Clem Burke. This picture is from when we all played at the Lou Reed memorial show in Austin,” sharing a photo of himself and Burke alongside Tony Hadley.
Charlatans singer Tim Burgess quipped in tribute: “I love it that Clem Burke was in a Blondie tribute band at the same time as actually being in Blondie.” He also added: “Clem Burke was the epitome of a super cool drummer – so influential and a lovely guy.”
Burke, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Blondie in 2006, was described by the organisation as: “a versatile and distinctive drummer who played exactly what each song required – and, when called for, let loose with blistering punk rock energy.”
The Kinks’ Dave Davies said on X: “I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace. Spectacular drumming. We were friends.”
Nancy Sinatra released a long statement on X accompanied by a picture of her performing with Burke. The conclusion of her tribute said: “Your life was beautiful, Clem, and I will never forget you or the times we shared. Your memory will live on in my heart and in the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Godspeed, dear friend. I love you.”
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