Blondie drummer Clem Burke has passed away at the age of 70 following a “private battle with cancer”.
Hailing from New Jersey, USA, Burke was a vital part of all studio albums by the Debbie Harry-led band, contributing from their self-titled debut to the acclaimed 1978 release, Parallel Lines, and up to 2017’s Pollinator, after joining the group in 1975, just a year after it was formed.
On Instagram, the New York band shared a heartfelt statement on Monday, confirming his death and celebrating the man known as “the heartbeat of Blondie”.
The statement conveyed: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear friend and bandmate Clem Burke, who fought a private battle with cancer.”
Clem Burke pictured in 2023
“Beyond his exceptional musicianship, Clem was a beacon of inspiration both on and off stage. His lively spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering work ethic impacted everyone who had the honor of knowing him.”
“Clem’s influence reached well beyond Blondie. As a self-proclaimed ‘Rock & Roll survivalist’, he collaborated with many legendary 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 impact and contributions spanned decades and various genres, leaving a lasting impression on every endeavor he undertook.”
Blondie (L-R Frank Infante, Chris Stein, Nigel Harrison, Debbie Harry, Jimmy Destri, and Clem Burke) poses for a portrait in August 1979 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Donaldson Collection/Getty Images
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to Clem’s family, friends, and fans worldwide. His legacy will persist through the vast array of music he created and the many lives he influenced. As we cope with this immense loss, we kindly ask for privacy during this challenging time. Godspeed, Dr. Burke.”
“From Debbie, Chris, and the entire Blondie family.”
Kinks guitarist Dave Davies was among those who paid tribute, stating in a post on X: “I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon.”
“May he rest in peace; his drumming was spectacular, and we were friends.”
I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace. Spectacular drumming. We were friends. #clemburke
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) April 7, 2025
Dave Stewart, part of the pop duo Eurythmics with singer Annie Lennox, who played with Burke, also expressed his sorrow on X: “So saddened about Clem’s passing; we had incredible adventures together and he was a mind-blowing drummer to play alongside. RIP.”
Commenting on Blondie’s announcement, singer Bryan Adams remarked: “Great drummer, my condolences to his family, Debbie, and all our friends in Blondie. RIP.”
Burke was born in New Jersey in November 1954. He began his drumming career with local groups such as Bayonne, Total Environment, and Sweet Willie Jam Band in the late 1960s and early 1970s before relocating to New York and joining the first lineup of Blondie in 1975.
Clem Burke (right), with Chris Stein and Debbie Harry
He played a key role in driving the band to massive international success with a series of hits including “Denis”, “Dreaming”, “Picture This”, and “Union City Blue.”
After the breakup of Blondie, he collaborated with various artists including Bob Geldof, The Eurythmics, and The Ramones.
Burke’s final live performance with Blondie took place last year, and he even shared the stage with tribute act Bootleg Blondie in 2019.
The band launched their career at New York’s CBGB and Max’s Kansas City clubs, venues that witnessed the emergence of numerous groundbreaking punk bands, such as the Patti Smith Group, Television, The Ramones, and Talking Heads.
During their formative years, Burke was credited with uniting the band after the original bassist, Fred Smith, joined Television, bringing in his friend Gary Valentine to fill the role.
In 2006, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his fellow band members.
Additional reporting: Press Association
