Clem Burke, drummer with Blondie, has died at the age of 70.
The death of the musician, following a battle with cancer, was confirmed on Monday (April 7), with surviving band members Debbie Harry and Chris Stein paying tribute to the late star in a post on Facebook.
“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 wrote.
“Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie,” they continued. “His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable.”
Harry and Stein went on to praise Burke’s “vibrant spirit” and “infectious enthusiasm”, adding: “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.”
Burke joined Blondie in 1975, shortly after Harry and Stein formed the band in New York City. Following a run of hits like Heart Of Glass, Dreaming, The Tide Is High and Atomic, the group disbanded in 1982 after the release of their sixth studio album, ‘The Hunter’.
They later reformed in 1997 and continued to tour and make music.
It comes after the group last year revealed plans to release a new album – their first since 2017’s ‘Pollinator’ – in 2025.
