Clem Burke, a renowned percussionist best known for his role as the drummer for New Wave sensation Blondie, has died, a rep for the band confirmed. He was 70.
“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,” the group wrote in a statement posted to their Instagram Monday. The type of cancer was not specified.
“Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie,” the statement continued. “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,” the band wrote. “His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Recruited by lead vocalist Debbie Harry and songwriter Chris Stein, Burke joined Blondie in the mid-1970s, helping to pave their path to success and banging out drums on some of the biggest punk and New Wave hits of the late-’70s and early ’80s, including “One Way or Another,” “Heart of Glass” and the band’s smash from the “American Gigolo” soundtrack, “Call Me.”
When the group disbanded less than a decade later, Burke’s drumming prowess landed him a healthy career band-hopping as a guest percussionist with groups like the Romantics and the Ramones. Calling himself a “Rock & Roll survivalist,” according to the band’s Instagram statement, Burke took his talent from one high-profile collaboration to the next, teaming up with everyone from the Eurythmics to Bob Dylan to Iggy Pop.
“His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of,” Blondie’s statement reads.
Burke also worked with Bob Geldof, Joan Jett, Chequered Past, The Fleshtones, Dramarama, The Adult Net, The Split Squad, The International Swingers, L.A.M.F., Empty Hearts, Slinky Vagabond and the Go-Go’s.
His most famed work remained with Blondie, however, and he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside other members of the group in 2006 alongside other original members of the band.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Clem’s family, friends, and fans around the world,” the group finished their statement, “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.”
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