Clem Burke, finest referred to as the drummer of Blondie, has died at age 70. An announcement from the band mentioned that his demise follows a “private battle with cancer.”
“Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie,” the band added. “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.”
Burke was recruited by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein to hitch Blondie in 1975 and he performed on all the band’s albums, together with their 1976 self-titled debut and iconic report’s like 1978’s Parallel Traces and 1979’s Eat to the Beat. When Blondie disbanded in 1982 following The Hunter, Burke turned an in-demand session drummer.
“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,” the band wrote of their assertion. “His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of.”
Burke joined Blondie when it reformed within the Nineteen Nineties and launched 5 extra information between 1999 and 2017.
Born Clement Anthony Bozewski on November 24, 1954, Burke adopted within the footsteps of his drummer father whereas coming of age in Bayonne, New Jersey. Left-handed however taking part in a right-handed equipment (like his hero Ringo Starr), a teenage Burke performed in some cowl bands whereas marching in a drum corps. He moved to New York and teamed up with Harry and Stein. “My quest was to find my David Bowie, my Jim Morrison or my Mick Jagger to front a band,” Burke advised Tidal in 2022. “I was emphatic about that. I needed to work with people that I felt had that sort of charisma and creativity.”
Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame in 2006 alongside bandmates Harry, Stein, founding keyboardist Jimmy Destri and bassist Gary Valentine and guitarist Frank Infante.
Final 12 months, Burke carried out as a part of the group Lust For Life, an Iggy Pop tribute challenge. He additionally performed within the band Tall Poppy Syndrome, which featured Members of the Bee Gees, The Jigsaw Seen, and Strangers in a Unusual Land.
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