It has been introduced that Blondie drummer, Clem Burke, has died aged 70.
An announcement on the Official Blondie Fb account stated: “It’s with profound unhappiness that we relay information of the passing of our beloved pal and bandmate Clem Burke following a personal battle with most cancers.
“Clem was not only a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie. His expertise, power, and keenness 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 stable work ethic touched everybody who had the privilege of realizing 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 Break 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 a long time and genres, leaving an indelible mark on each mission he was part of.
“We prolong our deepest condolences to Clem’s household, buddies, and followers all over the world. His legacy will reside on via the super quantity of music he created and the numerous lives he touched. As we navigate this profound loss, we ask for privateness throughout this troublesome time. Godspeed, Dr. Burke.
“Debbie, Chris, and your complete Blondie household.”
‘Vibrant Spirit’
Recruited by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in early 1975, the drummer was basic to the band’s improvement and sound. He informed Traditional Pop’s John Earls: “Should you’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. Once 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 may very well be there in Blondie.”
As a member of Blondie, Clem appeared on six No.1 singles – Coronary heart Of Glass (1979), Sunday Woman (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.
Traditional Pop extends its condolences to his household, buddies, and followers.
Learn the total Blondie interview right here