It has been introduced that Blondie drummer, Clem Burke, has died aged 70.
A press release on the Official Blondie Fb account stated: “It’s with profound disappointment that we relay information of the passing of our beloved good friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a non-public battle with most cancers.
“Clem was not only a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie. His expertise, power, and fervour for music have been unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. Past his musicianship, Clem was a supply of inspiration each on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock strong work ethic touched everybody who had the privilege of figuring out him.
“Clem’s affect prolonged far past Blondie. A self proclaimed ‘Rock & Roll survivalist’, he performed and collaborated with quite a few iconic artists, together with Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Chequered Previous, The Fleshtones, The Romantics, Dramarama, The Grownup Internet, The Cut up Squad, The Worldwide Swingers, L.A.M.F., Empty Hearts, Slinky Vagabond, and even the Go-Go’s. His affect and contributions have spanned many years and genres, leaving an indelible mark on each mission he was part of.
“We prolong our deepest condolences to Clem’s household, associates, and followers world wide. His legacy will stay on by way of the great quantity of music he created and the numerous lives he touched. As we navigate this profound loss, we ask for privateness throughout this tough time. Godspeed, Dr. Burke.
“Debbie, Chris, and all the Blondie household.”
‘Vibrant Spirit’
Recruited by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in early 1975, the drummer was elementary to the band’s growth and sound. He informed Basic Pop’s John Earls: “If you happen to’re in a band, you want a imaginative and prescient to imagine in. As a drummer, I’d been in search of a David Bowie or a Jim Morrison because the frontperson in my band. After I met Debbie, I knew she was my Bowie, my Morrison. She was super-talented, clearly glamorous. I had no drawback in seeing the magic that could possibly be there in Blondie.”
As a member of Blondie, Clem appeared on six No.1 singles – Coronary heart Of Glass (1979), Sunday Lady (1979), Atomic (1980), Name Me (1980), The Tide Is Excessive (1980) and 1999’s Maria – in addition to the chart-topping albums Parallel Traces and Eat To The Beat.
Basic Pop extends its condolences to his household, associates, and followers.
Learn the complete Blondie interview right here