Blondie drummer Clem Burke passes away at 70 after battling with cancer |
Blondie’s veteran drummer, Clem Burke has passed away at 70 after a battle with cancer. The bandmates, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, along with the entire Blondie family, shared the unfortunate tribute on Instagram on Monday, honouring the member whose backseat helped the band to chart the lists.
Blondie gave a statement…
“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,” Blondie shared on the official Instagram account.
Furthermore, the band made a noteworthy comment on the various collaborations and influences Burke, the self-proclaimed ‘Rock & Roll’ survivalist, had over the decades and in varied genres. The iconic collaborations with artists include “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 even the Go-Go’s.”
Consequently, the band extended the deepest condolences, along with highlighting his legacy he created and the lives that he touched.
The Legacy
Born in 1954, Burke said that his earliest memories were of playing my father’s kit along to the Four Seasons. Blondie was founded by Harry and Stein in 1974, and Burke joined the band in 1975 – but before that, he practiced the skills through marching bands and cover groups. The debut single ‘X-Offender’ was released in July 1976, and the album was released in the same year. 1978’s ‘Parellel Lines’ gained them success, and they became a household name.
Clem Burke is survived by his legacy, and the fame he earned through his relentless shardwork and unmatched skills.
