Tributes have been paid to Blondie drummer, Clem Burke, who passed away aged 70.
Burke, who has been hailed as "the heartbeat of Blondie", died after a battle with cancer, with a myriad of household names across the music industry paying tribute to the musician, who joined the band shortly after their formation in 1975.
Clem Burke was recruited by Blondie pair, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein to join the band, and the duo have since paid tribute to Burke with this statement.
“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", they said.
They continued: “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".
“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".
Following Blondie's hiatus from 1982 to 1997, Clem Burke also went to collaborate with the Ramones under the name, Elvis Ramone, as well as playing the drums for The Romantic between 1990 and 2004. He also played for household names including Pete Townshend, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, and Eurythmics.
Other names Burke has been credited with include Joan Jett, The Fleshtones, Bob Geldof, The International Swingers, The Adult Net, Dramarama, Slinky Vagabound, Empty Hearts, Chequered Past as well as the Gogos.
Clem Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, alongside his Blondie bandmates.
“Oh man Clem Burke was the epitome of a super cool drummer – so influential and a lovely guy", Charlatans' Tim Burgess said in tribute to Burke.
In a separate post, Burgess also mentioned that Clem Burke starred in a Blondie tribute band, while simultaneously working in the real Blondie.
He wrote, "I love it that Clem Burke was in a Blondie tribute band at the same time as actually being in Blondie".
