Clem Burke, the legendary drummer for the iconic rock band Blondie, died on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the age of 70 after a private battle with cancer. His death was announced by the band on Monday, April 7, 2025, in a heartfelt statement that highlighted his profound impact on music and his role as a beloved friend and bandmate.
In their tribute, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, founding members of Blondie, expressed their deep sorrow: "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." They continued, saying, "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."
Born Clement Anthony Bozewski on November 24, 1954, in Bayonne, New Jersey, Burke joined Blondie in early 1975, shortly after Harry and Stein formed the band in 1974. He played alongside keyboardist Jimmy Destri and bassist Gary Valentine, who was with the band from 1975 to 1977. Burke's drumming style, characterized by its range and energy, became a defining feature of Blondie's sound. He was a crucial member of the band during their rise to fame, contributing to all of their albums.
Burke's drumming can be heard on all four of Blondie's U.S. No. 1 singles: "Heart of Glass," "Call Me," "The Tide Is High," and the groundbreaking 1980 hit "Rapture," which was notable for being the first song featuring a rap passage to top the Billboard Hot 100. The band's success extended internationally, with six chart-toppers in the UK, including hits like "Sunday Girl," "Atomic," and the 1999 comeback single "Maria." The group also enjoyed back-to-back No. 1 albums in the UK with their classic records "Parallel Lines" and "Eat to the Beat." In the U.S., Blondie achieved four consecutive platinum albums, with both "Parallel Lines" and "Autoamerican" reaching the Top 10.
Despite their success, Blondie faced challenges, leading to a breakup in 1982-83 after the release of their sixth album, "The Hunter." The band's hiatus was largely due to the serious illness of guitarist Chris Stein, who was also Harry's romantic partner at the time. During this period, Burke continued to showcase his talents, playing drums for various artists, including the Romantics, Pete Townshend, Bob Dylan, Eurythmics, Joan Jett, and even briefly for the Ramones under the stage name Elvis Ramone in 1987.
In 1999, Blondie reunited, marking a significant comeback with the release of "Maria," which topped the UK charts two decades after their initial success. Burke remained a vital part of the band, touring extensively and contributing to their musical legacy. In recognition of their contributions to music, Burke and Blondie were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Burke's influence extended beyond Blondie. He was known as a "rock and roll survivalist," collaborating with numerous iconic artists and leaving a lasting mark on the music industry. His drumming prowess was celebrated by his peers, with tributes pouring in following the announcement of his passing. Nile Rodgers expressed his condolences on social media, saying, "RIP Rest in power brother Clem. My sincerest condolences go out to your fam and friends. It was an honor to play with you."
Dave Davies, former guitarist of The Kinks, shared his sadness, stating, "I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace. Spectacular drumming. We were friends." Tim Burgess of The Charlatans added, "Oh man Clem Burke was the epitome of a super cool drummer – so influential and a lovely guy."
Burke's last live performance with Blondie was in 2024, and he also played with tribute act Bootleg Blondie in 2019. His contributions to classic tracks such as "Call Me," "Heart of Glass," and "One Way or Another" solidified his status as a rock legend. The band had been scheduled to perform more dates in 2024, but those plans were sadly canceled due to his illness.
As the music world mourns the loss of Clem Burke, his legacy as a drummer and a collaborator will undoubtedly live on through the countless songs he contributed to and the lives he touched. The official statement from Blondie concluded with a heartfelt message: "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."
