Clem Burke, Drummer for Blondie, Dies at 70
Clem Burke, the drummer for the iconic new wave band Blondie, has died at the age of 70. According to a statement from the band, Burke passed away on Sunday due to cancer, although the location of his death was not specified.
As reported by The New York Times, citing a statement from Blondie, Burke’s death was announced on April 7, 2025. Burke was an integral part of Blondie’s success, providing the energetic and versatile drumming that helped shape the band’s unique sound. Alongside lead singer Debbie Harry, Burke was a key element of the band’s charismatic stage presence and innovative style.
With his relentless percussion, Burke helped propel Blondie to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like "Heart of Glass" and "Rapture". As noted in The New York Times, Burke’s drumming was featured on all 11 of Blondie’s studio albums, including their most popular singles, such as "Call Me" and "The Tide Is High". In an interview with Mixdown magazine, Burke explained that his love for rock ‘n’ roll was rooted in American classics, stating, "The American roots of rock ‘n’ roll — Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran — that was the foundation of what I loved from an early age."
Burke’s influence on Blondie’s music was significant, as he was able to seamlessly transition between different styles, from post-punk to disco and rock. His drumming was a key element in the band’s ability to experiment with various genres, resulting in a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide. As Rolling Stone magazine ranked him the 61st-greatest drummer of all time, Burke’s contribution to Blondie’s success cannot be overstated.
In his early years, Burke was influenced by rock-star drummers of the 1960s, such as Ringo Starr, John Bonham, and Keith Moon. He often paid tribute to his idol, Keith Moon, by adopting a similar stage persona and even wearing a sailor suit to his first audition with Blondie. Burke’s admiration for Moon was evident, as he once kicked his drums into the crowd after a performance, shouting, "That’s for Keith Moon — the greatest drummer in the world!"
Throughout his career, Burke was not only a core member of Blondie but also a sought-after session drummer, working with artists like David Bowie, Eurythmics, and Bob Dylan. He also formed and joined various bands, including Chequered Past and the International Swingers. After Blondie reunited in 1997, Burke continued to tour and record with the band, playing on their seventh album, "No Exit", and subsequent releases.
Burke’s legacy as a drummer and a key member of Blondie is cemented in the band’s enduring popularity and influence on the music industry. As he told Modern Drummer magazine in 1985, "Everybody around me seemed to think that becoming ‘a rock star’ was unobtainable, but I never felt that way. I felt that this was how I was going to be able to escape my working-class existence. I was on a quest to find the perfect lead singer. I always say that when I met Debbie, I sort of found my Mick Jagger."
The news of Burke’s passing has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans and fellow musicians alike mourning the loss of a talented and influential artist. As reported by The New York Times, information on survivors was not immediately available. Burke’s contributions to Blondie’s music and legacy will continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.
