The Clem Burke drummer “Blondie’s heart rate” dies after the Battle of Cancer

Clem Burke, the drummer of rock and roll Hall of Fame from Blondie, died on Sunday from cancer.

The artist – a drummer of a drummer whose performances have obtained elegant criticism of fans and musicians – was 70 years old.

Blondie, the New York New Wave Act that Burke helped to propel international success in the 1970s, made the news of the drummer public on social networks on Monday.

“It is with deep sadness that we relay the news of the death of our beloved friend and group of group Burke after a private battle against cancer,” published the blondie on Facebook.

Blondie, of course, is best known for his charismatic singer – Debbie Harry – who, for millions of fans, absolutely personified the name of the group through album covers, posters and popular videos.

However, the powerful Burke drum was often going to steal the spectacle, removing the attention of the sensational singer and directly to the kit.

“Clem was not only a drummer; he was Blondie’s heart rate,” said blonde in his post. “His talent, her energy and his passion for music have been unrivaled, and his contributions to our sound and our success are immeasurable. Beyond his musicality, Clem was a source of inspiration both on the stage and out of the stage. His vibrant mind, his contagious enthusiasm and his solid rock work ethics touched all those who had the privilege of knowing him. ”

Born on November 24, 1954 in Bayonne, New Jersey, Burke joined Blondie in 1975, the year after Harry and guitarist Chris Stein founded the group. After obtaining a suite in the flourishing scene of New Wave / Punk of the time – centered on the legendary CBGB Club – Blondie ended up concluding an agreement with the British label Chrysis Records in 1977.

Propelled by the regular but versatile battery of Burke – which would have been influenced by the illustrious like Hal Blaine, Keith Moon, Ringo Starr and Earl Palmer – the group continued to win brand successes such as “the call me”, “Heart of Glass”, “Dreaming”, “one way or another,” The Tide Is High “.

Although Pigeonholed as an act from New Wave, the group has actually drawn so many different musical styles – disco, pop, funk, reggae, rap, etc. – And Burke was able to take up the challenge in each situation.

The group was inducted at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, reflecting the topping of the cards he carried out in the 1970s and 80s. However, Burke continued to attract elegant criticism of his well -performance in the 2020s – in particular other musicians. As the only example, the co-founder and bass player of violent women, Brian Ritchie, explained how impressed Burke he was after their two groups played the huge Festival of the 80s Cruel World to pink Bowl in Pasadena in 2022.

“I looked at him and I was impressed by the way he had controlled music so much,” said Ritchie about Burke during an interview with this newspaper in 2022. “He was like a conductor, basically, but he also played perfectly and with a lot of emotion.”

Burke remained busy even when he did not perform with Blondie, with a number of other artists and groups using his ample skills.

“Clem’s influence has spread far beyond Blondie,” continued the post on the Blondie website. “A” Rock & Roll survivalist survival “self-proclaimed, he has played and collaborated with many emblematic artists, notably Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Checkered Past, The Fleshtones, The Romantics, Dramarama, The Adult Net, The Split Squad, The International Swingers Lamf, Empty Hearts, Slinky Vagabond, and even the Go-Bik.

“His influence and contributions lasted decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on each project of which he was a part.”

Originally published: April 7, 2025 at 10:25 a.m.