What happened to Clem Burke? Blondie drummer dies at 70

Musician Clem Burke, drummer for rock band Blondie, died at 70. The band shared the news in an Instagram post on April 7, 2025, calling Burke the “heartbeat” of the band. As understood from the post, the musician succumbed to cancer following a battle. The post read:

“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.”

The musical group remembered him not only as someone who played music but also as the energy behind their songs. His energy, skill, and hard work were important to their success. They also appreciated his strong feeling for music and dedication to work, which made a big impression on everyone who knew him.

Blondie wrote that Clem Burke's influence was more than just their band. People knew him as someone who had survived a long time in rock and roll. He worked with many famous musicians from different kinds of music. These included Bob Dylan, the Ramones, Joan Jett, and the Go-Go’s. His long-time playing music left a lasting mark on every band he was a part of. The post continued:

“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.”

Blondie’s singer, Chris Stein, also shared an Instagram post paying his tribute as he wrote:

“Thanks to you all. He loved doing what he did, he lived his dream.”

Clem Burke on his fan experience and pastime activity

In an interview with Larry King in 2019, Burke was asked about his funniest fan encounter. He shared that he was in Liverpool, and late at night, while heading back to his hotel alone, a homeless man passed by and mistakenly thought he was Blondie's keyboard player, even though he was the drummer. He continued:

“I was out jogging on the east side on the east side on the East River like at 6 o'clock in the morning and I went on the sort of this, a ferry that you know. So, there was one guy waiting for the ferry and I run by him to the edge of the dock and I run back and then when I run back he goes, ‘Hey you are Clem Burke.’”

Clem Burke mentioned that people did not always recognize him. However, he found it enjoyable when people said hello to him while he traveled to other countries.

When he was a child, he had a dream to become someone who took care of the forests. Later, while studying psychology and sociology in college, he thought about working to help people. For example, he considered helping to give out food stamps and supporting people without homes.

He said he liked to go to the beach when he had a day off and wanted to relax. He also enjoyed visiting museums. Clem Burke specifically mentioned the Pompidou in Paris as a place he liked very much. However, he said it was shocking when the Notre Dame Cathedral caught fire.

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