Clem Burke, the famend drummer of Blondie, has handed away on the age of 70 after a non-public battle with most cancers, the band introduced.
Blondie shared the unhappy news on their social media, describing Clem Burke as not simply the drummer, however the “heartbeat of Blondie.” The group paid tribute to his legacy, stating that his contributions to their success and sound had been immeasurable.
Born in New Jersey in 1954, Clem Burke’s drumming profession started at a younger age. He first picked up his father’s drum equipment and shortly turned a part of the native drum and bugle corps.
By his teenage years, he was acting at iconic venues such because the well-known New York membership CBGB, earlier than making his mark within the music world with Blondie.
Becoming a member of Blondie shortly after its formation in 1975, Clem Burke performed a vital position in preserving the band collectively throughout difficult occasions, particularly when co-founders Debbie Harry and Chris Stein thought-about disbanding.
Learn Extra: Legendary singer Roberta Flack passes away at 88
Throughout Blondie’s 15-year hiatus from 1982 to 1997, Clem Burke stored busy by drumming for varied artists, together with The Ramones, the place he glided by the identify Elvis Ramone, and labored with legends like Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, and the Eurythmics.
His versatility as a drummer earned him extensive recognition, and in 2006, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame alongside his Blondie bandmates.
Tributes to Clem Burke poured in from world wide. BBC Radio presenter Lauren Laverne expressed her condolences, whereas designer Zak Posen described him as an “iconic drummer” whose rhythm would reside on.
His legacy, each as a member of Blondie and as a musician who labored with quite a few different greats, will proceed to affect generations to return.
Clem Burke’s passing marks the top of an period for Blondie, however his influence on the band and the music trade at massive won’t ever be forgotten. His music, vitality, and love for drumming have left a major mark on the world.