Posted on Blondie's Facebook:

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. A self proclaimed "Rock & Roll survivalist”, he 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. His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of.

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.

Debbie, Chris, and the entire Blondie family



[www.facebook.com]

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Safe journey, Clem.

Oh man, this is terrible news. Really enjoyed his playing and he was indeed the backbone of Blondie. Absolute power house of a drummer, what energy! Condolences to his Family and Friends.

Rest in peace, Clem Burke

RIP. Saw him with Blondie at The Opry in August 2022. Loved the show.

Terrible news. What a blow.

Such a great drummer! You will be deeply missed.

Rest In Peace.

Very sad. RIP

This hurts. Never really talked to him but he was a constant sight around town. Even after Blondie came raging back he was still playing with his friends in local bands.

this is sad. RIP Clem Burke. I saw you play drums many, many times. Always wild.

So sad !!!
Without a doubt, one of the best.

RIP

RIP. Saw the man play quite often over the years, what an energy and skill.

One of the best drummers I know, he played on the first record (a 45) I ever bought in my life (many records followed, needless to say).

August 28th,1987…..We zipped down from Boston to Providence,RI@The living Room to see The Ramones who were touring relentlessly…..We would see them about ever 6 Months or so…As the show began and Dee Dee would shout 1234….about 3 or 4 songs I thought it was Richie on drums….And I went no it’s Clem from Blondie wow!!!! Who was Given the name Elvis Ramone….Still to this day looking for a t~shirt with Elvis on it…Clem only played one more with them……..A fantastic Drummer and the show was great The Ramones never let the fans down great memories from back in the day.Peace.M

Best wishes to everyone who'll miss him.
Just listen to his variations on Heart of Glass and be convinced of his greatness!

video: [youtu.be]

Just as long as the guitar plays, let it steal your heart away

By the Charlie Watts estate: "We are saddened to hear of the death of the fantastic drummer Clem Burke, who was a member of Blondie. Here is a Clem backstage with Charlie in Seattle, 2019, and standing behind Charlie’s drum kit before the show".


[Facebook.com] , [Instagram.com]


By Ronnie Wood: "RIP Clem Burke"


[X.com] , [Facebook.com] , [Instagram.com]


By Steve Jordan: "We will miss him... Great musician and greater, sweeter, person."


[Instagram.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2025-04-09 21:00 by Irix.

From Martin Robinson of The Standard:

Burke, their charismatic and flamboyant drummer, who wanted to be like Keith Moon not just some jobsworth at the back, he had memories of how he’d do his hair for CBGB. He’d cover it in beer, sugar water, whatever was around, then, “You would put the back of your head in the oven, kind of leaning back in a chair.”

Oh very sad God bless.

Absolutely gutted about the passing of Clem Burke

Fantastic amazing drummer and real performer.

One of the special magic dust ingredients which made Blondie so special

Thoughts and condolences to Clem Burke's family and friends

RIP sir

Quote
mikey C
August 28th,1987…..We zipped down from Boston to Providence,RI@The living Room to see The Ramones who were touring relentlessly…..We would see them about ever 6 Months or so…As the show began and Dee Dee would shout 1234….about 3 or 4 songs I thought it was Richie on drums….And I went no it’s Clem from Blondie wow!!!! Who was Given the name Elvis Ramone….Still to this day looking for a t~shirt with Elvis on it…Clem only played one more with them……..A fantastic Drummer and the show was great The Ramones never let the fans down great memories from back in the day.Peace.M

Awesome, I had to look this up, you saw the first of 2 shows then:

Johnny began asking around to see if they could find a replacement drummer, at least for the remainder of the tour. Clem Burke of Blondie filled in for Richie for two shows, performing under the alias Elvis Ramone, on August 28 in Providence, Rhode Island and August 29 in Trenton, New Jersey. Johnny deemed the whole situation a "disaster" because of Burke's drumming style, commenting that "double-time on the hi-hat was totally alien to him."[35] Burke was criticized for playing "Durango 95"'s fills incorrectly, and for misplaying the introduction on "Do You Remember Rock 'n' Roll Radio?", forcing Johnny and Dee Dee to improvise on stage. He was also reportedly unable to maintain the faster tempo of the songs "Freak of Nature" and "Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment".[35]

Because of this, the band's previous drummer, Marky Ramone (who had replaced original drummer Tommy Ramone), was asked to return. He had been fired after Subterranean Jungle, partially for his drumming style but mostly because of his alcoholism.

Loyal too. I think he was the only one to stay with Debbie and Chris in Blondie after the other two split.

That's a funny way of saying that he was the only member that Debbie and Chris chose to keep in the band.