Blondie Drummer Clem Burke Dead at 70 After Private Cancer Battle—Remembered by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein
via Pop Culture Insights / YouTube
A Key Member of Blondie Since the Beginning
Clem Burke, the longtime drummer for Blondie, has died at the age of 70. His powerful drumming helped drive the band’s success for decades. Known for his creative style and energy, Burke was one of only three members to play on every Blondie studio album.
Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, his bandmates, shared the news on Instagram, saying he passed away after “a private battle with cancer.” In their tribute, they wrote: “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 … His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
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From New Jersey to New York’s Music Scene
Burke was born in Bayonne, New Jersey. He started with local cover bands and drum corps before heading to New York. In 1975, he joined Blondie, replacing the group’s original drummer. “My quest was to find my David Bowie, my Jim Morrison or my Mick Jagger to front a band,” he said in 2022. “I was emphatic about that. I needed to work with people that I felt had that sort of charisma and creativity.”
Before joining Blondie, Burke tried out for Patti Smith’s band, which would go on to record Horses. “She asked me who my favourite drummer was … I said John Bonham, and I think that might’ve been the wrong answer,” he recalled.
Blondie Breaks Through
The band released their first single, “X-Offender,” in 1976. Early success didn’t come quickly, and Debbie Harry once thought about quitting. Burke encouraged her to keep going. “He really wanted to get out of New Jersey,” she said. His drive helped hold the group together.
Their first big hits came outside the U.S., with “Denis” and “Hanging on the Telephone” charting in Australia and the UK. By 1979, they broke through globally with “Heart of Glass.” While the track featured a drum machine, Burke wasn’t worried. “It was threatening, I suppose, at first, but I’ve never really found myself in the situation where a drum machine was going to take over,” he said.
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Drumming Style and New York Influence
Burke’s drumming reflected the sounds of New York in the late ’70s. He mixed punk rhythms with disco grooves and brought variety to Blondie’s songs. “We all had a common aesthetic, whether it be the New York Dolls, or the Velvet Underground, or the Shangri-Las,” he said. His drum work stood out in hits like “Call Me,” which began with a sharp fill, “Atomic,” and “The Tide Is High,” which leaned into a reggae feel. These three songs were back-to-back number ones in the UK.
As the 1980s moved on, the band’s success faded. Their 1982 album The Hunter didn’t match earlier sales, and they split up the same year. Burke, however, stayed active in music.
Session Work and Supergroup Projects
After Blondie, Burke worked with well-known names. He played with Bob Dylan and Pete Townshend—“a real gentleman … a dream come true,” Burke said. He also played with Joan Jett and helped form the supergroup Chequered Past with Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols.
Burke also joined the International Swingers with Glen Matlock, another former member of the Sex Pistols. He briefly played with the Ramones too, though he said it was “not a happy place to be.” He later helped form other bands such as the Empty Hearts and stayed active onstage and in the studio.
Back with Blondie and On the Road Again
Blondie got back together in 1997. In 1999, they released No Exit, which reached No. 3 in the UK and gave them a No. 1 single with “Maria.” The band stayed active after that, touring and recording four more albums.
Burke remained involved even with tribute bands. He once played with Bootleg Blondie, showing how much he enjoyed performing, even outside the main spotlight. His love for drumming kept him going through different music scenes and generations.
Friends and Musicians Remember Clem Burke
Many artists have honored Burke since the news of his death. Nancy Sinatra, who had worked with him, wrote: “My heart is shattered. Clem became an icon as a member of Blondie, but he was also a important part of my band, the KAB. I was blessed to call him my friend. If I ever needed him, he was there.”
Gerald Casale of Devo added: “His unmatched style and New York City ‘cool’ set the performance standard for decades.”
