Blondie Drummer Clem Burke Dies at 70
by Best Classic Bands Staff
This photo appeared in the April 12, 1979, issue of Record World
Clem Burke, who joined Blondie in 1975 shortly after they formed, and performed on the #1 singles “Heart of Glass,” “The Tide is High” and “Rapture,” has died. His death at age 70 of cancer was announced today (April 7, 2025) by the band at 9 a.m. ET.
The band’s complete statement on its Facebook page: 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, 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
Born Clement Anthony Bozewski in Bayonne, N.J., on November 24, 1954, Burke began playing drums in the late ’60s with New Jersey cover bands. He also served as a drummer in the Saint Andrew Bridgmen Drum and Bugle Corps in Bayonne. His style, which has been compared to that of Keith Moon, was a perfect match for the band being formed in New York by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in 1974, which took the name Blondie.
Burke played on all of Blondie’s recordings and gigs, and after the band split, played for the Romantics for more than a decade, while also freelancing with a wide array of artists ranging from Bob Dylan to Pete Townshend, Iggy Pop and Joan Jett. In 1983, he recorded with Chequered Past, which also included Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, former Blondie bandmate Nigel Harrison, bassist and vocalist Tony Sales, and singer/actor Michael Des Barres. He even put in a couple of gigs with the Ramones and playued with the Go-Go’s, among others.
One of the best weeks of my life , recording & hanging out in London .Best Wishes to Bob Dylan ! pic.twitter.com/8fYVWnoRAm
— Clem Burke (@clem_burke) May 24, 2018
In 2008, according to his Wikipedia entry, Burke founded the Clem Burke Drumming project to investigate the physical and mental-health benefits of drumming.
Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 as a member of Blondie. Their recordings are available in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationOne of the best drummers, that could swing as no other drummer I’ve heard. R.I.P Clem. Condolences to Your Family.