Blondie drummer Clem Burke has died aged 70 after a "private battle with cancer".
Born in New Jersey, US, Burke featured on all of the Debbie Harry-fronted band's studio albums, from their self-titled debut, through their 1978 classic Parallel Lines, to 2017’s Pollinator, after joining the band a year after their formation in 1975.
The New York band issued a statement on Instagram on Monday confirming his passing and praising the man who "was the heartbeat of Blondie".
The statement said: "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, 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."
Among those paying tribute was Kinks guitarist Dave Davies, who said in a post on X: "I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon.
"May he rest in peace, spectacular drumming, we were friends."
I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace. Spectacular drumming. We were friends. #clemburke https://t.co/PBJG0hpSjV
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) April 7, 2025
Dave Stewart, who is part of pop duo Eurythmics with singer Annie Lennox, with whom Burke played, added in a post on X: "So saddened about Clem's passing, we had amazing adventures together and a mind blowing live drummer to play alongside RIP."
Commenting on Blondie’s post, singer Bryan Adams said: "Great drummer, condolences to his family, Debbie and all our friends in Blondie. RIP."
Burke was born in New Jersey in November 1954. He began drumming with local bands Bayonne, Total Environment and Sweet Willie Jam Band in the late 1960s and early 1970s, before moving to New York and joining the first incarnation of Blondie in 1975.
He helped propel the band to massive international success with a string of hits including Denis, Dreaming, Picture This, and Union City Blue.
After Blondie broke up, he played with numerous acts including Bob Geldof, The Eurythmics and The Ramones.
Burke made his final live appearance with Blondie last year, and even performed with tribute act Bootleg Blondie in 2019.
The band began their career performing at New York's CBGB and Max’s Kansas City clubs, which witnessed the birth of a number of pioneering punk bands, including the Patti Smith Group, Television, The Ramones and Talking Heads.
During their early days Burke was credited with keeping the band together after original bassist Fred Smith left to join Television, recruiting his friend Gary Valentine to take over.
He was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with his fellow bandmates in 2006.
Additional reporting: Press Association
