Sex Pistols with Frank Carter honour Blondie’s Clem Burke at Sydney show
The Sex Pistols with Frank Carter dedicated their Sydney concert on April 8th to the late Blondie drummer Clem Burke.
On April 7th, Blondie announced Burke’s passing following a private battle with cancer aged 70. In a statement, his bandmates 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.”
They continued: “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.”
At the start of the show on April 8th, Carter said on behalf of his grieving bandmates: “Good evening Sydney. Very quickly I just want to take a moment to dedicate this show to an amazing man and a friend of the lads, Clem Burke. An incredible drummer who sadly passed away yesterday.”
It comes after Harry and Stein also highlighted his work with a vast array of other groups in their statement announcing his death, including those with members of Sex Pistols.
Burke began playing with Steve Jones in the supergroup Chequered Past during the 1980s while Blondie were on an extended hiatus. He also embarked on a strong musical partnership with Matlock, they toured the United Kingdom in March 2024 with their Iggy Pop-inspired side project, Lust For Life, which also included Kevin Armstrong.
The late drummer had also previously been in Slinky Vagabond and the International Swingers with Matlock, who also joined Blondie as a touring guitarist in 2022.
Additionally, Matlock shared on social media following the announcement of Burke’s death: “What a drummer, what a friend, what a guy. Will miss you big time, mate.”
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