Tributes paid after death of drummer and “heartbeat of Blondie” Clem Burke
"His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched"
nme.com
By Damian Jones – 7th April 2025
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.”
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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.”
Stein later also thanked fans for their condolences adding: “Thanks to you all. He loved doing what he did, he lived his dream.”
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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. At the time, Burke recruited his friend Gary Valentine to take over.
He remained with Blondie throughout his entire career playing on every album from their self-titled 1976 debut, through to 2017’s ‘Pollinator’.
When Blondie went on a hiatus from 1982 to 1997 after Stein became critically ill, 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.
Burke also played and recorded with Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, Gary Valentine and Frank Infante, Tony Sales (Iggy Pop) and Michael Des Barres in Chequered Past on the group’s sole self-titled album, which was released in 1984.
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 the Godlike Genius Award at the NME Awards in 2014.
Burke made his last appearance with Blondie at Northern Ireland’s Belsonic festival last summer.
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 called 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
Johnny Marr, who appeared on Blondie’s ‘Pollinator’, and recently revealed that he had a written a song for their forthcoming album, shared a picture of himself with Burke upon hearing the news of his death.
“Rest in peace Clem. A musical great and one of the good guys,” he wrote.
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Blur‘s Graham Coxon said he was “shocked and sad” about Burke’s death and described him as a “wonderful bloke”.
Supergrass drummer Danny Goffey meanwhile, wrote: “Lost a great drummer today… a truly individual player. A brother in arms. RIP Clem Burke.”
Garbage paid their respects, writing: “So sad to hear you have left us Clem. I think we all somehow believed you were going to live forever. You have been so loved. Thank you for it all. You will be missed.”
Dave Davies, formerly of The Kinks, also expressed his sadness at Burke’s passing. He posted: “I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace. Spectacular drumming. We were friends.”
Jools Holland recalled first crossing paths with Burke in the punk boom of the late seventies, in his tribute.
He added: “Very sad to hear we have lost @clem.burke the wonderful man and Blondie drummer. We send all love and condolences to his family and friends.”
Former Former Radio 1 presenter Mike Read paid his respects. He added: “We lose another great drummer…..Clem Burke. Great drummer. Great look. Not only an amazing career weilding the sticks for Blondie but also several Heritage Chart Hits with Tall Poppy Syndrome. Sad loss for Vince, Jonathan, Paul, Alec, Carla et al .. What a legacy.”
Shocked and sad- wonderful bloke – cheers,Clem xx pic.twitter.com/8yMoh65fLL
— graham coxon (@grahamcoxon) April 7, 2025
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I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace. Spectacular drumming. We were friends. #clemburke https://t.co/PBJG0hpSjV
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) April 7, 2025
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We lose another great drummer…..Clem Burke. Great drummer. Great look. Not only an amazing career weilding the sticks for Blondie but also several Heritage Chart Hits with Tall Poppy Syndrome. Sad loss for Vince, Jonathan, Paul, Alec, Carla et al .. What a legacy. pic.twitter.com/hSLaA7KsjC
— Mike Read (@MikeReadUK) April 7, 2025
In reponse to Blondie’s tribute to Burke’s on social media, Nile Rodgers wrote: “RIP Rest in power brother Clem. My sincerest condolences go out to your fam and friends. It was an honor to play with you.”
Skin from Skunk Anansie added: “This is so sad, sorry sorry, Clem was pure magic.”
Echo & The Bunnymen‘s Ian McCulloch meanwhile posted a lengthy tribute to Burke on Facebook, describing him as the “Charlie Watts of his generation”.
He added: “A brilliant brilliant drummer and, through getting to know him a little bit when I had the pleasure and honour of working with him a little while ago, a really lovely man. There are certain words that are overused and too easily applied to people that don’t warrant their definition, but Clem Burke will always live in the place reserved for a different kind of Angel. He is a real Icon…”
