Bandmates and co-founders, singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein, remembered Burke as the ‘heartbeat of Blondie.’
Clem Burke, best known as the drummer for the New York 1970s rock band Blondie, died at 70 on Monday.
In a
statement on the same day, former bandmates and co-founders, singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein, confirmed Burke died following a “private battle with cancer.”
“Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie,” read the social media post. “His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable.” The group paid tribute to Burke’s musical influence and decades-long contribution to the industry and the new wave genre.
“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,” read the post.
The two praised Burke’s talent, noting he played and collaborated with a number of artists, including Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Ramones, and many more.
“His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of,” they continued.
“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.”
Burke is survived by his wife of 23 years, Ellen Burke. The couple did not have any children.
Career
Born in 1954 in New Jersey, Burke was the son of a drummer. By the mid-1960s, he had followed in his father’s footsteps, performing in several cover bands at the beginning of his career before moving to New York.Shortly after he was recruited by Harry and Stein for Blondie in 1974, where together they gained a name for themselves as a pioneer in the punk and new wave genre across New York City clubs and venues before releasing their debut album in 1976.
The self-titled album propelled their career to the next level. The following year, the band went on tour with Iggy Pop and his friend, rock star David Bowie, who played keyboard.
In 1978, Blondie became a household name at home and abroad with the release of their critically acclaimed third album, “Parallel Lines,“ and over the next few years brought numerous hit singles including “One Way or Another,” “Heart of Glass” “Call Me,” “The Tide Is High” and “Rapture.”
In 1982, Blondie disbanded when Stein became extremely ill
from pemphigus vulgaris, a rare autoimmune disease of the skin.The band reunited in 1999 and continued to actively tour and perform, with their most recent appearance being at the Cruel World festival in Pasadena, California, last year.
During the hiatus, Burke continued to use his drumming skills by playing with the Romantics, and worked with major industry names including the Sex Pistols, Pete Townshend, Joan Jett, Eurythmics, and the Go-Go’s, among others.
Blondie sold over 40 million records worldwide and in 2006 was
inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, being praised for their chart-topping hits that left a “
dizzying and dazzling effect.”Two years later, Burke co-
founded the The Clem Burke Drumming Project, which explores “the physical, mental and health benefits of drumming,” after becoming fascinated with the topic.
