Blondie Drummer Clem Burke Dies At 70

Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died following a battle with cancer, the band announced in a statement today. He was 70.

The statement posted to social media – which was attributed to Blondie co-founder/frontwoman Debbie Harry and co-founder/guitarist Chris Stein, along with “the entire Blondie family” – referred to Burke as “the heartbeat of Blondie” and “a self proclaimed ‘Rock & Roll survivalist.’” 

Burke joined Blondie in 1975, shortly after the New Wave/punk rock band was formed in 1974, and was featured on all of its releases from 1976’s self-titled LP to its most recent, 2017’s  Pollinator. The band’s next album is expected to be released later this year. 

The drummer spoke to Pollstar last year for our 2024 festival special, chatting about the band’s appearance at Cruel World in Pasadena, California, and how L.A. was integral to the early success of Blondie.

“Festivals are really, really fun. … There’s that built-up anticipation which I kinda think we thrive on in some ways,” Burke told Pollstar. “So it makes it a little more interesting, as opposed to when you’re doing your own gig you’re methodically going through the sound check and there’s time to relax before the show — festivals are not necessarily like that. It’s more get-up-there-and-go-for-it so that energy is kind of a muse for us in a lot of ways.”

Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 alongside Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Gary Valentine, Jimmy Destri, Nigel Harrison and Frank Infante. A post on the Rock Hall’s website declares: “Blondie have experimented with nearly every genre on record—reggae, rap, punk, disco, etc. Yet their willingness to experiment is anchored by their roots in tuneful Sixties pop.”

The statement from Harry and Stein noted that along with his contributions to Blondie, Burke “played and collaborated with numerous iconic artists, including Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Nancy Sinatra, 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.”

Blondie is managed by The Umbrella Group and the band’s tour dates are booked by Paladin Artists, Inc and Solo Agency. In March it was announced that the band’s late manager Gary Kurfirst will be posthumously honored with The Lifetime Achievement Award at April’s Pollstar Awards.

The most recent report submitted to Pollstar Boxoffice for Blondie was a June 18, 2024, show supporting Sting at Musgrave Park in Cork, Ireland, that sold 15,000 tickets and grossed $1.1 million.

Blondie doesn’t have any upcoming confirmed tour dates on the books.

Check out the statement from Debbie Harry and Chris Stein below: 

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, Nancy Sinatra, 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

READ MORE: Blondie’s Clem Burke Talks Cruel World & How Festivals Are A ‘Muse’ For The Band