5 days Ago
Clem Burke, the drummer of band Blondie, has died aged 70. Burke's bandmates Debbie Harry and Chris Stein said he had died after a private battle with cancer. The band, which formed in the 70s, shared a tribute to the American rocker on their official social media pages.
In their post, the group described Burke as the "heartbeat of Blondie". "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," they said in 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." The group finished by extending their condolences to Burke's family and friends and signed off with "Godspeed Dr Burke". The signoff referenced the honorary doctorate he received from the University of Gloucestershire for a drumming project he conducted that showed that drummers can reach the same physical exertion as professional athletes.
Burke, who was born Clement Anthony Bozewski in New Jersey in 1954, joined Blondie shortly after they formed in New York in 1975 and played on all 11 of their studio albums. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with his bandmates in 2006. In 2016, Rolling Stone named him one of the Blondie became known for its hits including Heart of Glass, One Way or Another and The Tide is High.
Blondie members Stein (L), Harry and Burke during their induction into the RockWalk sidewalk gallery. Their first chart success came in Australia and the UK with songs such as Denis and Hanging on the Telephone. But the group swept to global fame in 1979 with the release of Heart of Glass.
Burke also played in bands including the Ramones and The Romantics during his career. He also collaborated or played with names like Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop and Bob Geldof. He is survived by his wife Ellen, who he married in 2002.
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