Clem Burke, whose dynamic drumming was the driving force behind Blondie’s iconic sound, has passed away at 70 after battling cancer, according to a statement from the band. Known for his versatility, Burke’s drumming spanned genres from new-wave punk to disco, making him a pivotal part of Blondie’s success.
Blondie described Burke as “not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of the band,” highlighting his unmatched talent, energy, and passion for music. Burke began drumming at 14 in his school orchestra but was soon kicked out for playing too loud. His big break came in the 1970s when he responded to an ad in the Village Voice looking for a “freak energy” rock drummer, which led to his long-time collaboration with lead singer Debbie Harry and the rest of the band.
Blondie’s first album was released in 1976, and by 1977, they were touring with legends like Iggy Pop and David Bowie. The band became a cornerstone of the New York rock scene, alongside acts like Talking Heads and the Ramones. In 2006, Burke and his fellow original members were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, having sold over 42 million records.
Blondie’s hits during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s included eight Top 40 singles, with four reaching No. 1: “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me,” “The Tide Is High,” and “Rapture,” the latter noted as the first No. 1 hit featuring rap. Burke’s energetic drumming is especially remembered for his powerful introduction to “Dreaming” in 1979.
In 2022, the band released “Blondie: Against the Odds, 1974–1982,” a box set with 124 tracks, including 36 previously unreleased recordings, demos, and outtakes from their first six albums. Reflecting on the discovery of these archives, Burke expressed amazement at how far the band had come since its early days.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame praised Burke’s ability to adapt his drumming to each song’s unique needs, often unleashing intense punk rock energy when required.
