Clem Burke, the renowned drummer for Blondie, the 1970s new wave band, has passed away at the age of 70. The band’s spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that Burke died on Sunday, April 6, 2025, after a private battle with cancer.
Burke joined Blondie in 1975, taking over from original drummer Billy O’Connor, and contributed to all 11 of the band’s studio albums, from their debut in 1976 to their last album in 2017. Known for his energetic fills and melodic style, Burke was integral to hits like “Call Me,” “The Tide Is High,” “Atomic,” and “Heart of Glass,” showcasing his ability to transition between punk, reggae, disco, and hip-hop rhythms.
Bandmates Debbie Harry and Chris Stein honored Burke on Facebook, noting his unmatched talent, energy, and passion for music, and recognizing him as an inspiration both on and off the stage.
Burke was born and raised in New Jersey. He once shared that his earliest memory was “playing my father’s kit along to the Four Seasons.” Prior to joining Blondie, he honed his skills in marching bands and cover groups, with an early vision of his role as more than just a timekeeper.
In a conversation with Mixdown magazine, Burke expressed admiration for drummers like Hal Blaine and Earl Palmer, aspiring to emulate their musicality and versatility, aiming to enhance a song rather than detract from it.
Blondie gained fame in New York City’s punk clubs, such as CBGB, alongside acts like Talking Heads and Patti Smith. Their 1978 album “Parallel Lines” brought them mainstream success with hits like “One Way Or Another” and “Heart of Glass.”
Recording “Heart of Glass” involved a challenging process. Producer Mike Chapman sought to align Burke’s drumming with a Roland drum machine, requiring him to record each drum separately over a week. Chapman later told the Wall Street Journal that Burke “was ready to kill me” by the session’s end.
Blondie temporarily disbanded in 1982 when Stein fell critically ill. During this period, Burke played with The Romantics and collaborated with artists like Pete Townshend, Joan Jett, Steve Jones, and The Ramones, adopting the stage name Elvis Ramone.
Burke rejoined Blondie in 1997, helping them achieve their sixth UK number one with “Maria” in 1999. Debbie Harry emphasized the significance of the original members’ reunion, stating in 2021 that their legacy would have been diluted without Burke, Stein, and herself.
Beyond music, Burke focused on the physical and psychological impacts of drumming, founding the Clem Burke Drumming Project in 2008. The project showed that drummers can exert themselves as much as professional athletes, earning him an honorary doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire in 2011.
Throughout his career, Burke performed with artists including Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, The Ramones, Eurythmics, Nancy Sinatra, and Mark Owen. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Blondie in 2006, acknowledging his substantial contribution to rock music.
Burke’s last performance with Blondie was at Northern Ireland’s Belsonic festival last summer, wearing his CBGB t-shirt, reflecting his punk origins. Blondie continued performing and recording, most recently playing Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2023.
Harry and Stein concluded their tribute saying, “Godspeed, Dr Burke.”
