What Happened to Clem Burke? Blondie’s Drummer Passes Away

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As a devoted fan, I find myself deeply saddened to share the news that Clem Burke, the legendary drummer who graced us with his rhythmic genius as a long-time member of the iconic rock band Blondie, passed away at the age of 70 on April 7, 2025. In a heartfelt statement, the band shared that Clem had been bravely fighting cancer in private. Throughout the years, he was an integral part of Blondie’s sound and identity, leaving an indelible mark on rock music for generations to come.

Here’s what we know so far about Clem Burke’s death.

Clem Burke passes away at 70, claims report

The renowned drummer, Clem Burke, who was part of the iconic American rock group Blondie, passed away at the age of 70 after a quiet struggle with cancer.

On April 7, 2025, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein announced on Blondie’s official social media platform that our dear friend and bandmate, Clem Burke, had passed away after a secret fight with cancer. In their post, they expressed that Clem was more than just a drummer; he was the pulsating heart of Blondie.

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Born in New Jersey in 1954, Clement Anthony Bozewski later became a member of the band Blondie, joining shortly after their formation in New York City in 1975. Over the course of their active period from 1974 to 1982 and subsequent reunions, he contributed to all 11 studio albums produced by the group. In 2006, Blondie, including Bozewski, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their latest album, titled Pollinator, was released in 2017.

Over the course of his musical career, Burke worked with multiple artists and bands. In 1987, he even had a brief stint with the Ramones. Additionally, he collaborated with the Eurythmics, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Joan Jett, Iggy Pop, Chequered Past, the Go-Go’s, and many others. The band referred to him as a “self-styled ‘Rock & Roll survivor.’

Blondie characterized Burke as someone with a lively personality, contagious energy, and an unwavering dedication to his work. He was bestowed an honorary doctorate by the University of Gloucestershire for research demonstrating that drummers can exert themselves at levels comparable to professional athletes. In 2016, Rolling Stone ranked him among the top 100 drummers in history.

Since 2003, I’ve been happily hitched to my wife, Ellen. We’ve chosen a child-free life together. Recently, our band concluded a tribute with “Godspeed, Dr. Burke.

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2025-04-08 07:10