Clem Burke, Blondie’s drummer and ‘heartbeat’, dies at 70 as band mourns ‘profound loss’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Clem Burke, longtime drummer and co-founding member of rock band Blondie, has died at the age of 70 after a "private" battle with cancer.

The iconic musician's bandmates are remembering him as an irreplaceable part of their history.

The band confirmed the news on Monday, April 7, sharing their heartbreak in a touching tribute that celebrated Burke's talent, energy, and decades-long contributions to the music world.

Blondie calls Clem Burke ‘heartbeat' of band in emotional tribute

Clem Burke joined Blondie in 1975 after being recruited by co-founders Debbie Harry and Chris Stein shortly after it's formation in 1974.

The band’s tribute on Facebook read, “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."

The post continued, “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 also wrote, “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 Burke's influence extended 'far beyond' Blondie

Acknowledging his collaborations beyond Blondie, the tribute read, "Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie."

They called him a "self-proclaimed Rock & Roll survivalist," who 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, LAMF, Empty Hearts, Slinky Vagabond, and even the Go-Go’s.”

The band extended "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," they wrote.

Concluding, "As we navigate this profound loss, we ask for privacy during this difficult time. Godspeed, Dr Burke. Debbie, Chris, and the entire Blondie family.”

Clem Burke credited for keeping Blondie together

Born in New Jersey in 1954, Clem Burke began drumming as a child, inspired by his father’s drum kit and the music of the 'Four Seasons'.

He played in local drum and bugle corps before performing at New York’s famed CBGB club as a teenager. At the age of 14, he took the stage at Carnegie Hall with his band 'The Total Environment' as part of a battle of the bands contest.

Following the departure of the band's original bassist Fred Smith to Television, Burke played a major role in keeping Blondie together.

He remained with the group for his entire career, helping deliver the rhythm behind the band’s six number-one hits: 'Heart Of Glass', 'Sunday Girl', 'Atomic' 'Call Me,' 'The Tide Is High,' and 'Maria.'

Burke continued performing during the band’s 15-year hiatus from 1982 to 1997. He drummed with The Ramones under the name Elvis Ramone and became the regular drummer for The Romantics between 1990 and 2004.

Burke’s dynamic presence was often highlighted by his signature leap over the drum kit at the end of Blondie’s shows, Daily Mail notes.

Clem Burke said being in a band was his 'social life'

Clem Bruke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 alongside his Blondie bandmates.

In a 2023 interview with MixDown Magazine, Burke said, “I don’t know what I would be doing if I wasn’t playing."

"Drumming has just always been there. Being in a band has just always been my social life from a very early age," he added per Independent.

Bruke added, "I like being in the studio and on stage. I don’t feel inhibited when I’m there. I enjoy it. These are places that I like to be.”

Clem Burke about new Blondie album and 'nearly done' memoir

In a 2024 interview, Clem Bruke revealed that a new Blondie album had been recorded while also stating he was almosnt done writing his memoir.

In an interview with Psychedelic! Baby Mag, Burke said, "We’ve recorded a new Blondie album scheduled for early 2025."

He added, “We’re considering a few special ways to promote it, such as residencies around the world and possibly a video album project similar to what we did with the ‘Eat to the Beat’ album.”

He further revealed to the publication, "I’ve nearly completed my memoir, which will be published by Hachette in the States and HarperCollins in the UK soon."

Clem Burke is survived by his wife, Ellen Burke. Meanwhile, tributes from fans, friends, and musicians have poured in.