Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died after battling cancer. He was 70-years-old.
The legendary sticksman was recruited by frontwoman Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein shortly after they formed in 1975, who today (April 7) described him as the “heartbeat of Blondie”.
In a statement on social media the duo said: “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. 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. 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’s influence extended far beyond Blondie.”
They went on to describe him as 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, L.A.M.F., Empty Hearts, Slinky Vagabond, and even the Go-Go’s whose “influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of.”
The pair added: “We extend our 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. As we navigate this profound loss, we ask for privacy during this difficult time. Godspeed, Dr. Burke.”
Burke was credited with keeping the group together after Stein and Harry considered disbanding in 1975 following the departure of original bassist Fred Smith to Television after he recruited his friend Gary Valentine to take over. He remained with Blondie throughout his entire career.
When Blondie went on hiatus from 1982 to 1997, Burke went on to forge a successful drumming career alongside the Ramones under the name Elvis Ramone and was the regular drummer for The Romantics between 1990 and 2004 and played for the likes of Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Pete Townshend and Eurythmics.
He was later inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006 alongside his Blondie bandmates and he was part of the line-up that received NME’s Godlike Genius Award at the NME Awards in 2014.
Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess was one of the first to pay tribute to the late drummer.
He wrote: “Oh man Clem Burke was the epitome of a super cool drummer – so influential and a lovely guy.”
oh man
Clem Burke was the epitome of a super cool drummer – so influential and a lovely guy pic.twitter.com/6iXLnPfkXG
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) April 7, 2025
Burgess also hailed the fact Clem also once performed with a Blondie tribute band Bootleg Blondie Band.
I love it that Clem Burke was in a Blondie tribute band at the same time as actually being in Blondie pic.twitter.com/2MskSbXBpj
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) April 7, 2025
This is a developing story.
