"Clem Burke, Iconic Blondie Drummer and Rhythmic Visionary, Dies at 70"
- Paul Evans
- Apr 6
- 2 min read
Words Paul Evans
Clem Burke, the powerhouse drummer best known for his thunderous, stylish playing with new wave icons Blondie, has died at the age of 70. His passing marks the end of an era for punk-influenced pop music, where drummers weren’t just timekeepers, they were stars in their own right.
Born in New Jersey, Burke was a music obsessive from the start. By his teens, he was already drumming in garage bands around New York, absorbing the energy of the British Invasion, Motown, and American rock ‘n’ roll. His style, equal parts Keith Moon chaos and Ringo Starr precision was the perfect foundation for the genre-defying sound Blondie would come to define.
He joined Blondie in 1975, recruited by Chris Stein and Debbie Harry and quickly became an integral part of the band’s sound and identity. His drumming powered some of the most unforgettable songs of the late 20th century: the disco-punk blast of “Heart of Glass,” the motorik rush of “Dreaming,” the reggae-inflected “The Tide Is High” and the genre-fusing anthem “Rapture.” His versatility and flair elevating Blondie beyond punk into pop superstardom.
When Blondie split in 1982, Burke’s talents remained in high demand. He played with The Eurythmics, Iggy Pop, The Romantics and even toured with Bob Dylan. In 2004, he co-founded the supergroup The International Swingers with Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols and James Stevenson of Generation X. He also collaborated with the Go-Go’s, Nancy Sinatra and Pete Townshend, among others.
His blend of punk energy and pop discipline made him a drummer’s drummer flashy when needed, invisible when it served the song. His impact on modern music cannot be overstated. His work behind the kit didn’t just keep time, it defined it. Whether pounding through CBGB sets in 1976 or commanding festival stages four decades later, he did it with style, power and a relentless love for rhythm. The beat may go on, but it will never sound quite the same.
Clem Burke (1954–2025) RIP."
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