Debbie Harry admits she can’t see herself “being onstage as Blondie” following Clem Burke’s death
Blondie vocalist Debbie Harry has opened about the loss of her bandmate Clem Burke, who passed away earlier this year, and admitted she “can’t see myself being onstage as Blondie”.
Burke’s death was confirmed in April by Harry and her Blondie bandmate Chris Stein. In a joint statement, the duo emotionally said: “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.”
They also declared Burke to be “the heartbeat of Blondie” and noted that “his talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched” as well as stating “his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable”.
Before Burke’s passing, Blondie had already completed work on a new album, which has yet to be announced but will be released at some point in the future. However, beyond the new album, Blondie’s future looks unclear.
In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Harry reflected on her career, sharing, “I think the things I get most teary-eyed about are the relationships, good fortune, and the luck I’ve had working with some wonderful, exotic, talented people. Great minds. My list is going to sound very short, but having worked with Chris [Stein] and Clem [Blondie drummer Clem Burke, who died of cancer this past April] for years—especially Chris, that’s extraordinary.”
However, while she’s immensely proud of what they achieved, not having Burke or Chris Stein, who can’t tour due to health issues, has made Harry unsure whether she’ll tour again with the band.
She added: “Keeping a rock band together for 50 years was like a marriage, and it’s sad that with Clem’s passing and without having Chris onstage, I can’t see myself being onstage as Blondie, even though I am the face of Blondie. But I’m proud of the music, and I would still like to do music.”
Harry also honestly admitted elsewhere in the interview, “I ran into a wall: the tour ended, Clem died, and wow. What is this space I live in now? I’m curing—I’m doing a cure. And part of that is de-cluttering up my space, which is crowded with that life. I need to get some breath, get some air in there.”
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.