Overview

• Clem Burke, founding drummer of Blondie, passed away on April 6, 2025, at the age of 70 after a private battle with cancer, as confirmed by the band on April 7.
• Burke was a pivotal figure in Blondie’s rise to fame, performing on every album from their 1976 debut to 2017's Pollinator, and helping define their genre-blending sound.
• Known for his dynamic drumming style and left-handed technique on a right-handed kit, Burke also collaborated with iconic artists like Bob Dylan, Eurythmics, and the Ramones.
• Tributes from bandmates Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, as well as fellow musicians, highlight Burke’s unmatched passion, energy, and influence on rock music.
• Burke’s contributions to music were recognized with a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2006, and his legacy continues through the music and lives he touched.