On Monday, April 7, 2025, longtime drummer for Blondie, Clem Burke, passed away at age 70 after a private battle with cancer. The band confirmed his passing on the official Facebook page.
"With deep sadness, we share the news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke after a private battle with cancer. Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heart of Blondie. His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contribution to our sound and success immeasurable," said Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in an Instagram post.
"Besides his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration on stage and off. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and strong work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," said Harry and Stein.
Clement Anthony Bozewski was born on November 24, 1954, in Bayonne, New Jersey. He began drumming at age 14 before his school band dismissed him for playing too loudly. He later developed his skills with a local drum and bugle corps and entered New York's club scene with performances at CBGB.
Burke joined Blondie in 1975, and his drumming became central to the band's sound. He contributed to every studio album and to hits from the late 1970s—including Heart of Glass, Call Me, and The Tide Is High—which helped propel the band to international success. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Blondie in 2006.
Beyond his work with the band, Burke collaborated with Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Pete Townshend, the Eurythmics, Joan Jett, and Bob Geldof. After Blondie's breakup in 1982, his drumming led him to work as a guest percussionist with groups such as the Romantics and the Ramones.
Over the decades, Burke built a reputation for an unforgettable onstage presence. The band noted, "His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of," and described him as a self-proclaimed Rock & Roll survivalist.
Burke continued to perform with Blondie through the release of Pollinator in 2017. His final live appearance with the band took place on June 19, 2024, in Belfast.
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians. "I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace, spectacular drumming, we were friends," said Dave Davies, guitarist for the Kinks. Singer Nancy Sinatra said, "My heart is shattered. Clem became an icon as a member of Blondie, but he was also an important part of my band, the K.A.B. I was blessed to call him my friend. If I ever needed him, he was there. Always. Sending healing prayers and comfort to his widow, Ellen, his family, and all who loved him."
Throughout his career, Burke maintained a steadfast work ethic and an enduring presence both on and off stage. Married for more than two decades to Ellen Burke, he navigated his path in rock with quiet determination—from answering an ad that launched his journey to leaving a lasting rhythmic legacy. The band requested privacy during this time.
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