Blondie drummer Clem Burke, known for his vibrant spirit and infectious enthusiasm, has died following a private battle with cancer. The 70-year-old musician played on all of the band’s albums and was an integral part of their sound.
Burke joined Blondie just before they recorded their debut single in June 1976 and went on to play drums on some of their most iconic songs, including “Heart of Glass” and “One Way or Another.” Despite being replaced by a drum machine on the hit single, Burke enjoyed the challenge of bringing energy and spirit to the song.
A highly respected drummer, Burke played with many famous artists over the years, including Bob Dylan, Eurythmics, Joan Jett, and Iggy Pop. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Blondie in 2006 and founded the Clem Burke Drumming Project to document the positive effects of rock drumming on physical and psychological well-being.
Burke’s contributions to music were not limited to his technical skill as a drummer, but also his impact on stage presence. He was known for blending quick punk tempos with disco flair, creating an unmistakable part of Blondie’s sound. His passing has been met with tributes from the music community, including posts from Johnny Marr and Nancy Sinatra.
Burke is survived by his bandmates Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, who released a joint statement describing him as “the heartbeat of Blondie” and expressing their sadness at his loss.
Source: https://pitchfork.com/news/blondie-drummer-clem-burke-dies-at-70