Clem Burke, Blondie Drummer, Dies at 70

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Clem Burke, famed drummer for Blondie, died on Sunday, April 6. He was 70 years old.

On Monday, the authentic Blondie account shared the heartbreaking news about the demise of our dearly cherished friend and bandmate, Clem Burke. After a quiet struggle with cancer, he passed away.

clearly, Clem wasn’t simply a drummer; he embodied Blondie’s heartbeat. With his extraordinary skill, boundless energy, and deep passion for music, he outshone all others in this field. The impact of his contributions to our sound and success can hardly be quantified. Not only was Clem an inspiring musician, but off-stage as well, serving as a source of motivation for many. His lively spirit, contagious excitement, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross paths with him.

According to a statement they released, Burke’s impact reached much further than just Blondie as a band; however, it was his energetic drumming that lent strength and shine to Blondie’s popular songs like “Dreaming” and “Atomic.

The band further added: “Billed as a ‘Rock & Roll survivor’, he worked with and partnered with numerous legendary musicians, such as Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Nancy Sinatra, 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 the Go-Go’s. His impact and accomplishments have stretched across decades and various music genres, making a lasting impression on every venture he was involved in.

With heartfelt sympathies, we offer our deepest condolences to Clem’s family, companions, and admirers worldwide. His impactful music legacy will endure, serving as a testament to the countless lives he touched. As we struggle with this immense sorrow, we kindly request understanding for our need for privacy during these challenging moments. Farewell, Dr. Burke; may your journey be peaceful.

The statement was signed “Debbie, Chris, and the entire Blondie family.”

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The specific details of Burke’s cancer were not revealed.

Born on November 24, 1954, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Cynthia Selya, popularly known as Clem Burke, was a key member of the legendary pop group Blondie. Alongside Debbie Harry (vocalist and songwriter) and Chris Stein (guitarist and co-writer), Burke contributed significantly to the unique sound that defined Blondie. On their official website, the band acknowledged her powerful drumming as a distinctive element of their music. Burke officially joined the group in 1975, featuring on their eponymous debut album (1976) and subsequent releases like Parallel Lines (1978) and Eat to the Beat (1979). During the late 1970s, Blondie dominated the music charts with these albums.

Burke was inducted with his Blondie bandmates into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2006.

More to come.

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2025-04-07 20:24