Devastating news in the music world on Monday: Clem Burke, the rapturous heart beat to new wave band Blondie, has died after a prive battle with cancer.
He was so much more than the drummer behind One Way or Another. He played with Eurythmics, the Ramones, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, LAMF, Joan Jett, The Romantics, Nancy Sinatra and many more incredible artists.
Blondie members Debbie Harry and Chris Stein paid tribute to their beloved bandmate on facebook:
“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.
“His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of.”
I was lucky enough to catch Blondie the last time they toured in the US. While the crowd surrounded the iconic Debbie Harry, I couldn’t keep my eyes off the man on the kit. The Great Clem Burke.
Fitzie’s track of the day, part one: Atomic, by Blondie
Here’s an excerpt I wrote for that hoddle back in August 2022:
“In the many shows I have attended - whether that be rock, blues, jazz, punk, disco, pop - I have never seen anyone drum like Burke. Nor have I seen anyone carry a band for an entire two hours the way he did.
“Braving the general admission pit at The Anthem. I was transfixed on him during Fade Away and Radiate, the only member of the ensemble to ditch his bright-coloured suit jacket. Just to watch his hands at work was a sight to behold.
“Then, in that final drum fill, he completely shifted gears from the reggae beat into The Tide is High, Blondie’s famous latin-flavoured cover of a song by Jamaican band The Paragons. It was the best 13 minutes of drumming I think I have ever heard.
“And then the man did it again to close out the first set, when Blondie closed out with Heart of Glass. Only this time he sort of went into reverse, speeding up from the disco beat into the Sex Pistols’ punk-rock God Save The Queen.”
Fitzie’s track of the day: Heart of Glass, by Blondie
Burke and Blondie came onto the scene during a boon in the New York punk world. They cut their teeth at the CBGB with contemporaries the Ramones, Talking Heads, Television, the New York Dolls and Patti Smith.
But one of the most exciting sounds to come from that scene was whatever Burke was playing. His style was unparalleled.
Clem Burke was the greatest drummer I’ve ever seen in my life.
Fitzie’s track of the day, part three: Dreaming, by Blondie
And now for your links:
Rolling Stone: “Clem Burke’s Beat Helped Blondie Conquer the World”
The Athletic ($$): “Even positives for Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou now seem to come with caveats”