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Clement Anthony Burke (né Bozewski; November 24, 1954 – April 6, 2025) was an American musician best known as the drummer for the band Blondie. He joined the band shortly after its formation in 1975 and remained with Blondie throughout the band's entire career until his death in 2025. He appeared on all of the band's albums with two of the founding members, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein. He was drummer for the Ramones for a brief time in 1987 under the name Elvis Ramone, and played on albums by other artists, including Eurythmics, Bob Dylan and Iggy Pop. He was a member of the Romantics from 1990 until 2004.

Life and career

[edit]
Burke (second from left) with Blondie in 1976

Clement Anthony Bozewski was born on 24 November 1954 in Bayonne, New Jersey,[1][2] the son of Clement J. Bozewski and Antoinette (nee Terraciano). His father, a drummer who played in local clubs, taught him to drum from an early age and he played in a school marching band.[3]

His early experiences on the drum kit began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, playing in various New Jersey jam bands. Burke also gained percussion knowledge from his stint as a drummer in the St Andrew's Bridgemen Drum and Bugle Corps in Bayonne.[4] He was recruited by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein when Blondie was first forming in 1974 and joined the band in early 1975.[5] He was a key figure in keeping the group together when Stein and Harry considered disbanding after their original bassist, Fred Smith, departed to Television. Burke recruited his friend Gary Valentine to play bass. Burke's style of drumming was influenced by Hal Blaine, Keith Moon, Ringo Starr and Earl Palmer.[6]

During the 1980s and 1990s when Blondie was on hiatus, Burke played drums for the Romantics (for whom he was the regular drummer between 1990 and 2004),[7][8] Pete Townshend,[9] Bob Dylan,[9] Eurythmics,[10] Dramarama,[11] the Fleshtones, Iggy Pop,[9] Joan Jett[9] and The Stranglers amongst others.

He recorded with the line-up of Chequered Past in 1983 with Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, former Blondie bandmate Nigel Harrison, bass guitarist and vocalist Tony Sales, and singer/actor Michael Des Barres.[12][13]

In 1987, Burke sat in as drummer for the Ramones for two gigs, under the name "Elvis Ramone", on August 28 in Providence, Rhode Island, and August 29 in Trenton, New Jersey at the punk club The City Gardens, after the sudden departure of Richie Ramone.[14] On October 8, 2004, he again played under the name "Elvis Ramone" when he joined Tommy Ramone, C. J. Ramone, and Daniel Rey in the "Ramones Beat on Cancer" concert.[15]

He recorded and played live with Wanda Jackson and Nancy Sinatra.[16] Burke recorded with Sonny Vincent, and Arthur Killer Kane, and played on the Go-Go's member Kathy Valentine's solo release Light Years in 2005. He recorded and toured with Dramarama from Wayne, New Jersey and Los Angeles on their 1993 album Hi-Fi Sci-Fi.[17]

Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 as a member of Blondie.[18] In 2007 he joined Slinky Vagabond with David Bowie guitarist Earl Slick, Glen Matlock and Keanan Duffty, who were playing their debut concert at the Joey Ramone Birthday Bash in May 2007.[19] He was also a member of Magic Christian (Dirty Water Records), along with Flamin' Groovies guitarist Cyril Jordan (on guitar) and Plimsouls lead guitarist Eddie Munoz (on bass), and toured several times as drummer with the Hugh Cornwell Band.[20]

Burke played 90-minute sets in 100 concerts in a year. In 2008, it was reported that he had taken part in an eight-year study that analysed the physical and psychological effects of drumming and the stamina required by professional drummers, conducted jointly by the University of Gloucestershire and the University of Chichester.[21][22] In July 2011, Burke received an honorary doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire as a result of the drumming project.[23] In 2008, Burke founded the Clem Burke Drumming project to investigate the physical and mental-health benefits of drumming.[24]

In December 2011, Burke formed the band the International Swingers with Sex Pistols bass player Glen Matlock, guitarist James Stevenson of Generation X and singer Gary Twinn of Supernaut.[25][26] About the same time he became a founding member of the Split Squad, participating in tours,[27] appearances at SXSW festivals, and in the recording of the album, Now Hear This..., released in January 2014.

Burke in 2008

In April 2013, Burke appeared on the Little Steven song "All I Needed Was You" along with Scott Kempner, Barry Goldberg, Gregg Sutton and Tom Jr Morgan on the Carla Olson album Have Harmony, Will Travel.[citation needed] In 2014, Burke was a founding member of the Empty Hearts. The group recorded on 429 Records and his bandmates included the Romantics guitarist and vocalist Wally Palmar, the Chesterfield Kings bassist Andy Babiuk, the Cars guitarist Elliot Easton and Small Faces and Faces pianist Ian McLagan.[28] The band's self-titled first album was released August 5, 2014, and produced by Ed Stasium.[29]

In 2015, via PledgeMusic, the band the International Swingers raised the money to record their first full-length self-titled album, The International Swingers (originally under the working title Whatever Works Now). The album was recorded at Studio 606 in Los Angeles which is owned by the Foo Fighters. It was mixed by Peter Walsh, who had worked with Simple Minds, Pulp and Scott Walker.[30]

In 2017, Burke played dates as a member of L.A.M.F., a Johnny Thunders tribute also featuring Walter Lure, Mike Ness and Glen Matlock.[31] The reunion shows in New York took place at the Bowery Electric in Manhattan on November 15 and 16, 2016, (without Glen Matlock) and were recorded for an album, released on Jungle Records in December 2017.[citation needed] In 2019, Burke played with Blondie tribute act Bootleg Blondie.[32] In December 2021, Burke filled in on drums for Gina Schock during the Go-Go's show at the Whisky a Go Go, to celebrate their recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[33]

In 2022, Burke was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by the University of Chichester.[34]

Burke died from cancer on April 6, 2025, at age 70.[2]

Discography

[edit]

NOTE: This list includes albums in which Clem Burke was a band member or the featured drummer.

With Blondie
With The Adult Net
  • The Honey Tangle (1989)
With BP Fallon & The Bandits
  • Still Legal (2013)
With Carla Olson
With Chequered Past
  • Chequered Past (1984)
With The Delphines
  • The Delphines (1996)
With Dramarama
With The Empty Hearts
  • The Empty Hearts (2014)
  • The Second Album (2020)
With Eurythmics
With Iggy Pop
With The International Swingers
  • The International Swingers (2015)
With Jimmy Destri
With Kathy Valentine
  • Light Years (2005)
With Magic Christian
  • Evolver (2009)
With Mark Owen
With Miss Derringer
  • Lullabies (2006)
With Pete Townshend
With The Plimsouls
  • Kool Trash (1998)
With The Romantics
  • Made in Detroit (1993)
  • 61/49 (2003)
With Sonny Vincent, Arthur Kane, Rick Ballard
  • A Tribute To Mr. Rock' Chuck Berry Tribute- Carol (2004)
With The 69 Cats
  • Transylvanian Tapes (2014)
With The Split Squad
With Walter Lure
  • L.A.M.F. Live At The Bowery Electric (2017)

References

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Clem Burke

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Clem Burke (November 24, 1954 – April 7, 2025) was an American best known as a founding and longtime member of the Blondie, whose energetic playing helped define the band's punk, new wave, and pop sound during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Born Clement Anthony Bozewski in , to a father who was also a , Burke grew up immersed in and began performing in New Jersey cover bands in the early 1970s before joining Blondie in 1975 shortly after its formation by and . As the band's steadfast alongside keyboardist , Burke contributed to Blondie's breakthrough albums Parallel Lines (1978) and Eat to the Beat (1979), driving hits like "Heart of Glass," "Call Me," and "" that propelled the group to worldwide sales exceeding 40 million records. Burke's tenure with Blondie spanned the band's entire active periods, including their hiatus in the early 1980s and reunion in 1997, culminating in their 2006 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as pioneers of the New York punk and new wave scenes. His powerful, versatile style—blending punk aggression with precision—earned praise for providing the "heartbeat" of Blondie's innovative fusion of genres, and he remained active with the band until his final performance in June 2024. Beyond Blondie, Burke was a prolific collaborator, lending his talents to projects including touring with in support of their 1983 album Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), Iggy Pop's 1986 release Blah Blah Blah, Pete Townshend's 1985 supergroup , and Bob Dylan's 1990 album , among others including and the . In his later years, Burke continued touring and recording with side projects such as The Empty Hearts (featuring members of and ) and The Split Squad, while maintaining his role in Blondie's ongoing output. Diagnosed with cancer, he passed away at age 70, leaving a legacy as one of rock's most influential and enduring drummers whose work bridged underground punk origins with mainstream pop success.

Early life

Childhood in Bayonne

Clement Anthony Bozewski, known professionally as Clem Burke, was born on November 24, 1954, in , to a family of Polish and Italian descent. His father, also named Clement J. Bozewski, worked as a in local clubs and began teaching Burke the basics of drumming at a young age, creating a vibrant musical atmosphere in the household where percussion instruments were readily accessible. Burke received his initial formal training through participation in Bayonne's school and the St. Andrew's Bridgemen Drum and Bugle Corps, where he honed fundamental skills on and percussion during his pre-teen and early teen years. In high school, Burke developed a strong friendship with fellow resident , the two bonding over their mutual passion for acts like and the . Despite elements of dysfunction in his family environment, including the challenges of a working-class upbringing in a tight-knit but strained household, Burke's teenage years in ignited his enduring love for , inspired by the energy of the genre's emerging stars. Eager to pursue music professionally, Burke relocated to at age 17 in 1971, drawn by the vibrant club scene across the .

Musical influences and beginnings

Burke's musical influences were deeply rooted in the of the mid-1960s, which ignited his passion for rock drumming during his teenage years in . Bands such as , Yardbirds, and the Who became particular favorites, shaping his energetic and dynamic style with their raw power and rhythmic innovation. He also drew from pioneers, admiring acts like and especially the , whose provocative performances and fusion of theatricality with aggression resonated strongly with him. These influences extended to session drummers like and , whose precise, groove-oriented playing on pop and rock records inspired Burke's versatility beyond basic beats. His early playing experiences began with formal instruction from his father, a local club drummer, who provided initial lessons on the kit. At age 14, Burke joined his school orchestra, where he quickly expanded his skills, though he was eventually expelled for playing too loudly—a sign of his budding intensity. He then participated in the school , mastering fundamentals like timing and endurance, but self-taught himself rock techniques by emulating from his influences, transitioning from rigid ensemble work to freer, improvisational styles. Throughout his teenage years, Burke performed in local high school bands and informal garage setups around , covering and early glam tunes that honed his live energy and stage presence. At 17, in 1971, Burke moved to , immersing himself in the vibrant NYC glam and emerging punk scenes that amplified his artistic growth. He frequented key venues like Club 82 on East 4th Street, a drag club turned rock hotspot where glam acts and proto-punk energy mingled, absorbing influences from live shows that blended rhythms with raw attitude. Other spots, such as the Oscar Wilde Room and the Academy of Music, exposed him to the ' explosive performances, further fueling his transition to semi-professional musicianship. During this period, Burke bonded with high school friend over their shared obsession with , including the Dolls and Bowie; these discussions and joint scene explorations broadened his network and deepened his commitment to the underground rock world.

Career with Blondie

Joining and early years

Clem Burke joined the newly formed band Blondie in 1975, shortly after its inception by vocalist Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein the previous year, when he responded to their advertisement in The Village Voice seeking a drummer described as needing "energy and endurance" or "freak energy." This audition process, which saw Burke as one of around 40 candidates, resulted in his immediate acceptance into the group, drawn by his dynamic style influenced by the glam and punk scenes of the era. His addition stabilized the rhythm section amid early instability, as Blondie navigated the nascent New York punk circuit. Burke's debut performance with Blondie took place on April 7, 1975, at the iconic venue in , marking a pivotal moment just before bassist Fred Smith's abrupt departure to join during the same show. This gig, part of a double bill, showcased the band's raw, energetic live sound amid the vibrant downtown scene, including frequent appearances at and , where they honed their setlists drawn from punk influences like the and . Despite lineup flux, Burke's consistent presence provided a solid backbone, enabling the group to rebuild with new members like bassist and keyboardist . On Blondie's self-titled debut album, released in December 1976, Burke delivered propulsive drumming that captured the band's punk-rooted intensity from their club performances, contributing to tracks that blended aggressive rhythms with pop sensibilities recorded at Plaza Sound Studios in New York. The follow-up, in February 1978, further highlighted his role with more refined beats supporting the album's expansion into melodic structures, reflecting the band's growing polish while maintaining live energy from NYC gigs. From 1975 to 1978, Blondie evolved from strict punk origins—rooted in short, fast songs and ethos—to a broader new wave aesthetic incorporating and girl-group elements, a shift propelled by Burke's versatile percussion amid the scene's creative ferment. Throughout these formative years and subsequent lineup adjustments, Burke stood as Blondie's sole original drummer, his endurance ensuring rhythmic continuity as the band transitioned toward mainstream appeal.

Contributions to major albums and hits

Clem Burke's drumming on Blondie's 1978 album marked a pivotal shift toward mainstream success, blending punk energy with polished production under . On the breakout single "Heart of Glass," Burke's live drums were synchronized with a to create the track's iconic disco-inflected beat, providing a propulsive backbeat that propelled the song to No. 1 on the and helped the album sell over 20 million copies worldwide. His dynamic fills and steady groove also elevated tracks like "," where his frenetic, high-energy style added urgency to the narrative, contributing to the song's enduring chart performance and cultural impact. Burke's contributions continued to evolve on (1979), where his enthusiastic and relentless drumming drove the album's accessibility. The track "" exemplifies his approach, featuring what Burke himself described as a continuous three-minute fill that infused the song with non-stop propulsion, helping it reach No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart and solidifying Blondie's new wave credentials. His adaptable style bridged the band's punk roots with emerging and pop elements, enhancing the album's commercial appeal as it peaked at No. 17 on the 200. The 1980 album Autoamerican showcased Burke's versatility in incorporating reggae, rap, and orchestral sounds, with his drumming underpinning three of Blondie's four No. 1 U.S. singles. On "Call Me," co-written for the American Gigolo soundtrack, Burke delivered a tight, driving rhythm that synced with the track's synth hooks, leading to 6 weeks at No. 1 and over six million U.S. sales. "The Tide Is High," a reggae cover, benefited from his laid-back yet precise groove, which adapted the song's Caribbean origins into a pop hit that topped charts in multiple countries. The groundbreaking "Rapture," the first rap song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, featured Burke's innovative beats layering hip-hop elements over rock foundations, demonstrating his ability to navigate genre fusion during the band's experimental phase. Burke played a central role on The Hunter (1982), Blondie's final album before their initial hiatus, where his raw, energetic style supported the record's edgier rock direction amid internal band tensions. Following the reunion, he returned for (1999), contributing to the hit "Maria"—Blondie's first U.K. No. 1 in 16 years—with his signature fills that revitalized the group's sound for a . Later albums like (2003) and (2017) highlighted his enduring influence, blending electronic and indie elements while maintaining the band's rhythmic core. Throughout his career, Burke participated in all 11 of Blondie's studio albums up to 2017, as well as the 2024 EP Instant Impact, powering live tours that sustained their legacy through his final performance in June 2024, including the 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction performance where his drumming anchored classics like "Heart of Glass" and "One Way or Another."

Other musical endeavors

Bands and side projects

During Blondie's hiatus in the 1980s, Burke joined the supergroup , formed in 1984 with singer , guitarist Steve Jones of the , and bassist , a former Blondie member; the band released a self-titled album that year and toured briefly before disbanding in 1985. In the late 1980s, Burke served as the drummer for The Adult Net, the band led by Brix Smith, contributing to their debut album The Honey Tangle released in 1989, which featured a mix of and influences. Burke became a full-time member of in late 1990, replacing drummer David Petratos, and remained with the Detroit-based band through much of the 1990s, performing on their 1994 EP Made in Detroit and supporting tours that kept the group's sound alive. In the mid-1990s, Burke participated in the h Band, a side project of keyboardist , playing drums on their 1997 album Ice Cream Genius alongside members like XTC's Dave Gregory and Tree's , blending progressive and alternative elements in live performances across the and . Burke joined for live tours and recordings in the early 1990s, including a notable 1992 performance, providing his dynamic drumming to the alternative rock band's energetic sets. He also contributed to as a session and touring drummer in the late 1980s, appearing on their 1987 album Fleshtones vs. Reality and helping maintain the outfit's high-energy live reputation. In 1997, Burke was part of Adolph's Dog, a short-lived project involving core Blondie members covering songs, though it served more as a transitional effort before Blondie's reunion. Later in his career, Burke co-founded The Empty Hearts in 2013 with guitarist of , vocalist of , and bassist Andy Babiuk of ; the garage rock supergroup released two albums, The Empty Hearts (2014) and The Second Album (2020), and toured extensively, emphasizing 1960s-inspired . That same year, he became the for & The Bandits, the rock outfit led by former Led publicist , featuring guitarist Aaron Lee Tasjan and bassist ; the group released the Still Legal in 2013, drawing on Fallon's storytelling style with arrangements. Burke also drummed for The International Swingers starting in 2012, a punk-infused group with of the , guitarist James Stevenson, and vocalist Gary Twinn, releasing their self-titled in 2013 and performing at festivals. Additionally, from around 2012, Burke was a key member of The Split Squad, a rock band including Keith Streng of and Eddie Munoz of , releasing albums like (2013) and maintaining an active touring schedule with a focus on raw, energetic performances. In the 1970s, Burke attempted to assemble a supergroup featuring himself, bassist of the , guitarist of the , and Paul Weller of , envisioning a punk-new wave fusion, though the project never materialized due to scheduling conflicts.

Notable collaborations

Throughout his career, Clem Burke contributed his distinctive drumming to various guest appearances and sessions with prominent artists, particularly during Blondie's hiatus periods in the and 1990s. One of his early notable collaborations was on Iggy Pop's 1982 album Zombie Birdhouse, where Burke provided drums and percussion across the record, including the energetic track "Run Like a Villain." Burke also lent his talents to sessions with the , drumming on tracks from their 1981 debut album In the Garden and the 1986 hit "Missionary Man" from . His work extended to Pete Townshend's solo projects, including contributions to the 1985 album White City, and Bob Dylan's 1986 release , where he played drums on several songs. Additionally, Burke contributed drums to Joan Jett's 1980 debut album Bad Reputation. In later years, Burke collaborated with classic rock icons such as , recording and touring with her in 2004 and 2005, often recreating parts originally played by his drumming hero . He also worked with , providing live and recorded performances that highlighted his versatility in contexts. Burke's involvement with included drumming on a tribute track for the 2015 compilation Hero (The Main Man Records Tribute to David Bowie). Burke made live appearances with the Ramones in 1987, performing two shows as "Elvis Ramone" in , and , filling in for their regular . He also contributed to projects involving Go-Go's bassist , drumming on her 2005 solo album Light Years. Further recordings included sessions with punk Vincent and Arthur "Killer" Kane, the original bassist, as well as work with Miss Derringer and . These ad-hoc collaborations underscored Burke's reputation as a sought-after session during Blondie's breaks from activity.

Personal life and death

Family and relationships

Clem Burke was married to Ellen Burke, a former nurse, from 2002 until his death in 2025, a union that spanned over two decades marked by mutual support amid his demanding music career. The couple had no children, and Burke maintained a notably private , with limited public disclosures about his relationships or family beyond his marriage. He and resided primarily in New York for much of their marriage, aligning with his deep roots in the city's music scene.

Illness and passing

In late 2024, Clem Burke was diagnosed with cancer, a condition he kept private throughout his treatment to focus on his ongoing musical commitments. The diagnosis came after his final performance with Blondie on June 19, 2024, at the Belsonic Festival in , . Burke's condition worsened rapidly in the months leading up to his death, leading him to step back from performances as complications from the cancer intensified. On April 6, 2025, he passed away at the age of 70 due to these complications, surrounded by family in . The news was announced the following day by Blondie co-founders and via the band's official social media channels, where they described Burke as their "beloved friend and bandmate" and "the heartbeat of Blondie," emphasizing his irreplaceable role in the group's sound and spirit. Tributes poured in from the community, with Harry later stating in interviews that she could not envision performing on stage as Blondie without him, casting uncertainty over the band's future touring plans. In a November 2025 interview, Harry reiterated she could not see herself onstage as Blondie without , raising further questions about the band's live future. No large public funeral was held, respecting Burke's preference for privacy, though a memorial event took place at in on November 1-2, 2025, during Día de los Muertos celebrations, where fans and musicians gathered to honor his legacy with drum setups and performances. Burke's long marriage to his wife, Ellen, provided steadfast support during his final months.

Drumming style and equipment

Technique and influences

Clem Burke's drumming style is characterized by its energetic versatility, seamlessly blending the raw power of with infectious grooves and intricate rock fills, often incorporating melodic flourishes that elevate Blondie's new wave sound. His playing provided a crisp backbeat and explosive fills that drove the band's anthems, balancing precision with dynamic intensity to support their genre-shifting transitions from punk roots to pop accessibility. This approach earned him recognition as the 61st greatest drummer of all time by in 2016, highlighting his endurance and innovative contributions to rock drumming. Burke's technique drew significant influences from legendary drummers including of The Who, of , and session pioneers and , which shaped his adaptive and dynamic style. In interviews, he has cited Moon's exuberant energy, Starr's melodic sensibility, and the precise groove of Palmer and Blaine as key inspirations, informing his ability to shift fluidly between aggressive punk propulsion and smoother, rhythmic pulses. These influences manifested in his reputation for melodic embellishments and adaptive playing, allowing him to complement Blondie's eclectic catalog while maintaining a strong, foundational pulse. On stage, Burke's showmanship added a visual layer to his musical prowess, featuring signature stick-twirling that infused performances with theatrical energy and captivated audiences. This flair, reminiscent of rock's performative traditions, enhanced his live presence without overshadowing the band's sound. A notable example of his technical adaptability is on "Heart of Glass," where he synced his live drumming precisely with a drum machine to create a hybrid rhythm that blended organic feel with electronic precision, pioneering early pop production techniques.

Gear and endorsements

Clem Burke's drumming career began with basic school kits during his early training in the orchestra at age 14, where he was known for playing too loudly before transitioning to more professional setups in the 1970s. By the early 1970s, he adopted Premier drums, starting with their Resonator series in red sparkle finish, which became iconic during Blondie's initial rise and featured a 24-inch bass drum, 15-inch rack tom, 16-inch and 18-inch floor toms, and a 6.5 x 14-inch snare. In the 1980s, Burke incorporated electronic elements into his rig, pairing a Premier Black Shadow kit—maintaining similar dimensions—with a Simmons SDS5 electronic kit including a hex snare, three hex toms, and a bass drum trigger for hybrid acoustic-electronic performances during tours with acts like Eurythmics. Upon Blondie's reunion in the late 1990s, Burke returned to with a series kit, configured with a 24-inch , custom 14 x 10-inch rack tom, 16-inch and 18-inch floor toms, emphasizing a strong, traditional rock sound. Burke remained with for the band's subsequent active periods until switching to DW Drums in 2019, adopting their Collectors Series for live use, which he detailed in promotional rundowns highlighting its maple shells and custom finishes suited to Blondie's dynamic sets. This DW setup evolved into a hybrid rig by 2023, featuring a standard rock configuration with multiple toms and augmented electronically, as showcased during Blondie's tour at the Greek Theater in . Burke's cymbal array has remained consistent with Zildjian since 1977, typically including A Custom models such as 14-inch hi-hats, 20-inch rides, and 18-inch medium-thin and thin crashes, often hand-polished daily for optimal tone during performances. He augments this with a Roland SPD-30 Octapad for electronic percussion and samples, integrating sounds like additional drums and effects to enhance Blondie's new wave and rock arrangements on stage. Drumheads are throughout, with coated Emperors on tom batter sides for warmth, clear Ambassadors on resonant sides, and coated Ambassadors on snares replaced daily to maintain crisp response; earlier setups occasionally used Foote's 5A sticks, but by the , he standardized on 5A models with wooden tips. Burke holds long-standing endorsements with several key brands, including DW for his primary kit since 2019, Zildjian for cymbals over four decades, for heads, for sticks, and for electronic pads, often featured in tour rundowns from 2019 to 2023 that promote their integration in his hybrid playing style. These partnerships reflect his evolution from straightforward acoustic kits to sophisticated rigs blending vintage rock aesthetics with modern electronics.

Legacy

Awards and honors

Clem Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 as a founding member of Blondie, recognizing the band's pioneering contributions to punk, new wave, and . The induction ceremony, hosted by of Garbage, highlighted Blondie's innovative sound, with Burke's distinctive drumming central to their legacy. During the event, Blondie performed several of their signature hits, including "Heart of Glass," "Call Me," and "," showcasing Burke's energetic style on stage. In 2022, Burke received an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the , honoring his exceptional achievements as a performer, educator, and collaborator in the music industry. This accolade acknowledged his role in advancing drumming techniques through initiatives like the Clem Burke Drumming Project, which he co-founded with the university to promote . The award celebrated his lifelong dedication to blending technical precision with creative expression in rock and beyond. Burke's prowess as a drummer was further affirmed in 2016 when Rolling Stone ranked him at number 61 on their list of the 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time, praising his crisp backbeat and ability to infuse punk energy with disco flair across Blondie's catalog. This recognition underscored his influence on rhythm sections in new wave and his versatility in supporting the band's genre-defying hits. Following Burke's death on April 6, 2025, posthumous tributes poured in from the music community, including a dedication by the Sex Pistols during their April 8 concert in Sydney, Australia. Fronted by Frank Carter of Gallows, the band honored Burke as "an amazing man and a friend of the lads," performing their set in his memory and reflecting on his shared punk roots with Blondie.

Influence on music

Clem Burke's drumming was instrumental in elevating Blondie's sound during the late and early , infusing the band's punk roots with pop precision and rhythmic versatility that broadened their appeal beyond underground scenes. His energetic style, characterized by dynamic fills and a blend of rock drive with subtle disco grooves, helped Blondie pioneer the new wave genre by bridging punk's raw aggression with accessible melodies. On tracks like "Heart of Glass," Burke's precise, punchy beats synchronized with electronic elements to create a disco-punk fusion that propelled the song to global success and exemplified the band's genre-blending innovation. Burke's approach inspired a generation of new wave and drummers, serving as a model for combining punk grit with pop accessibility and technical flair. His ability to modernize influences from and into contemporary contexts influenced drummers seeking to infuse emotional intensity into structured rhythms, as seen in his transformation of Blondie's sound from gritty performances to chart-topping hits. Peers and musicians have cited his work as a benchmark for versatility, with his live energy and adaptability shaping how subsequent artists approached genre fusion in rock and pop. Following his passing in 2025, tributes from bandmates, fellow artists, and music publications underscored Burke's enduring legacy as the "heartbeat" of Blondie and a pivotal figure in music evolution. Blondie members described him as the rhythmic core that drove their success across decades, while peers like , Steve Van Zandt, and Jerry Casale of praised his innovative contributions to new wave. Outlets such as and highlighted his role in genre evolution, noting how his beats on fusion tracks like "Heart of Glass" continue to resonate in drumming. Fan communities and performances, including dedications by the , further emphasized his lasting impact on live energy and musical versatility. In October 2025, friends and rock royalty gathered for a tribute event in on October 5, and The Roxy Hotel hosted a pop-up exhibition "Clem Burke Photographed by " from October 4 to 10, celebrating his life and contributions.

Discography

With Blondie

Clem Burke served as the drummer for Blondie on all eleven of the band's studio albums, spanning from their self-titled debut in 1976 to their most recent release, , in 2017. These recordings capture the band's evolution from punk and new wave roots to eclectic explorations incorporating , , and hip-hop elements, with Burke's dynamic rhythms providing the foundational pulse. The complete list of studio albums includes:
  • Blondie (1976)
  • Plastic Letters (1977)
  • Parallel Lines (1978)
  • Eat to the Beat (1979)
  • Autoamerican (1980)
  • The Hunter (1982)
  • No Exit (1999)
  • The Curse of Blondie (2008)
  • Panic of Girls (2011)
  • Ghosts of Download (2014)
  • Pollinator (2017)
Burke also contributed to several live albums and compilations featuring Blondie's performances, highlighting his live energy during the band's extensive touring history, which included global tours documented through 2025. Notable examples include the double-disc Live (1999), recorded during the reunion and showcasing tracks from across their catalog, and Vivir en la Habana (2021), a live recording from their 2019 performance in marking ongoing activity. Burke contributed to the band's 2024 EP Instant Impact. Among Blondie's chart-topping singles, Burke's drumming is prominently featured on key hits, often blending punk drive with danceable grooves that defined the band's commercial success. On "Heart of Glass" (1979), his steady, disco-inflected beat helped propel the track to No. 1 on the , incorporating a distinctive four-on-the-floor pattern. Similarly, "Call Me" (1980), co-written for the film , features Burke's propulsive hi-hat work and fills that underscore its new wave-disco fusion, reaching No. 1 in multiple countries. "" (1980) highlights his laid-back rhythm, adapted from ' original, contributing to another global chart-topper. Finally, "" (1980), Blondie's first No. 1 rap-influenced single, showcases Burke's innovative fusion of hip-hop breaks with rock energy, including layered percussion that bridges genres.

Other appearances

Burke served as the drummer for the power pop band during their early 1990s to 2004 touring period, though he did not appear on their studio albums from that era, such as In Heat (1983) or Rhythm Romance (1985); he later contributed to their 1994 EP Made in Detroit. In 1984, Burke was the drummer on the self-titled debut album by the supergroup , which also featured guitarist Steve Jones and Blondie bassist . Burke played drums on Iggy Pop's Zombie Birdhouse (1982), contributing percussion across the album alongside Blondie bandmate Chris Stein on guitar. He provided drums for several tracks on Eurythmics' debut album In the Garden (1981) and the entirety of their 1986 album Revenge, including the hit single "Would I Lie to You?". On Pete Townshend's solo album White City: A Novel (1985), Burke drummed on tracks such as "Brilliant Blues" and "Secondhand Love." Burke contributed drums to Bob Dylan's Knocked Out Loaded (1986), notably on the track "Under Your Spell," arranged through his collaboration with Eurythmics' Dave Stewart. For Joan Jett's debut solo album Bad Reputation (1980), Burke played drums on select tracks including "Call Me Lightning," alongside other Blondie members. Burke guested on drums for Dramarama's album Vinyl (1991), enhancing the band's alternative rock sound on several songs. He briefly joined as drummer in the early 1980s and contributed to sessions for their 1987 compilation Fleshtones vs. Reality. Burke toured and recorded with in the mid-2000s, playing drums on her self-titled album Nancy Sinatra (2004) and live performances. On Wanda Jackson's tribute album I Remember Elvis (2006), Burke provided drums, supporting her covers of songs. In 1987, Burke performed two live shows with the as "Elvis Ramone," though he was not credited on any official live recordings. Burke drummed on The Adult Net's debut album The Honey Tangle (1989), led by of . He joined & The Bandits, contributing drums to their album Still Legal (2013). Burke played drums on tracks from Sonny Vincent's P.I.N.S. (2006), including a cover of Chuck Berry's "Carol," alongside bassist . Burke co-founded The Empty Hearts in 2013 with members from , , and , drumming on their self-titled debut album (2014) and follow-up The Second Album (2020).

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