Clem Burke, RIP

[freedman]

RIP to a fantastic drummer

[AC43]

Wow, what a shame. I'm really glad I made the effort to see Blondie in 2025 as he was still the drummer. I also watched a really interesting documentary on him - he was a legend.

I've recently read the autobiographies of Debbie Harry and Chris Stein and they both referred to him as being the third mainstay of the band over all the decades.

[Harrythecat]

R.I.P, a truly great drummer, often overlooked when list of the greats are produced, but the man was incredible to watch, and was in my opinion the best.

[Magikarp]

As a young drummer I loved the fact he played Premier drums. They, and he, always looked so cool. RIP

[LeoSayer]

I remember seeing him play with the eurythmics in the 80s.

I've never seen any drummer throw a drumstick so high mid-song, then catch it and carry on playing without interruption. Awesome. RIP.

[Acorn1]

Fantastic drummer, his drumming on Parallel Lines was outstanding.

RIP

https://youtu.be/0xuzobXZUsY?si=gnlk3gxJCrYAoTlj

[zb]

RIP absolutely outstanding



Debbie blamed him for her tinnitus, so loud he ended up playing behind a clear plastic screen on stage.

[stevep944]

RIP to a brilliant drummer.
Luckily got to see him with Blondie at Belfast Belsonic last summer, turns out that was his last gig.
Very sad.

[Dazdot]

Seen him twice in recent years, brilliant drummer that could be "in your face" drumming, but not over whelm the song. "Dreaming", as a perfect example.

[Spydaman]

Saw him a few years ago at The Brook in Southampton playing with Bootleg Blondie. What a drummer!

[Rough101]

Seen him last year on the lust for life tour, a workaholic that truly lived his dream.

[Mr Tidy]

Very sad news. RIP Clem.

[jules_s]

Harrythecat said:

R.I.P, a truly great drummer, often overlooked when list of the greats are produced, but the man was incredible to watch, and was in my opinion the best.

Yep - I always shout for him in the 'greatest drummer' threads (which usually cite metal bands drummers)

As posted earlier - go listen to parallel lines - but just listen to the drums which are sublime, if a little lost behind the vocals/ lead guitar

RIP

[geezerbutler]

Irreplaceable in Blondie just like Bonham was to Zeppelin - truly one of the all-time greats. So much energy and a hard hitter. Also loved his stint with the Eurythmics.

RIP Clem.

[Johnspex]

geezerbutler said:

Irreplaceable in Blondie just like Bonham was to Zeppelin - truly one of the all-time greats. So much energy and a hard hitter. Also loved his stint with the Eurythmics.

RIP Clem.

One of the drummers considered for The Who.

[AC43]

Dazdot said:

Seen him twice in recent years, brilliant drummer that could be "in your face" drumming, but not over whelm the song. "Dreaming", as a perfect example.

The drumming on Dreaming is something else.

[Squadrone Rosso]

Seen him twice. Playing with Bootleg Blondie on an 80s cruise & with DH.

Sad news indeed

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Love it that he played drums for Blondie, and a Blondie tribute band! Legend.

[Nyloc20]

OGWT Blondie Special on BBC4 tonight 9pm if you’re a fan and see this in time.

[Squadrone Rosso]

Nyloc20 said:

OGWT Blondie Special on BBC4 tonight 9pm if you’re a fan and see this in time.

Thanks, love OGWT so set it to tape