Clement Anthony Burke (/bərk/, BUR-k; né Bozewski; November 24, 1954 – April 6, 2025)[1][2], known as Clem Burke, was an American musician best known as the drummer for the band Blondie.

He was born as Clement Anthony Bozewski on 24 November 1954 in Bayonne, New Jersey,[2] the son of Clement J. Bozewski and Antoinette (nee Terraciano). His father, a drummer who played in local clubs, taught him to drum from an early age and he played in a school marching band.[3].

In one survey, Rolling Stone ranked him the 61st-greatest drummer of all time.

Burke died from cancer on April 6, 2025.[2]. He is survived by his wife, Ellen, a former nurse, whom he married in 2002. No children.

Biography

Musician. Best known as the drummer of the New Wave group, Blondie, Burke began his career playing with a number of New Jersey based cover bands. In 1974, he joined fellow musicians, Chris Stein and Debbie Harry as the two were rounding out the earliest incarnation of what would become Blondie. In December of 1976, the band released its eponymous debut album but failed to break through to mainstream success. A sophomore effort in February of 1978 met with similiar frustrations, but seven months later the album, "Parallel Lines," proved to be the group's doorway to critical and commercial success. Burke's perfomance behind the drum kit proved pivotal for the band's ever evolving sound. In 1979, the group issued the album, "Eat to the Beat," which showcased his skills, effortlessly handling a wide range of genres such as funk, Reggae, punk, and disco. Blondie's fifth album, "Autoamerican," continued their string of commercial hits with hits such as, "The Tide Is High," and "Rapture." Internal conflicts and personal illness within the band during the production of their sixth album, "The Hunter," resulted in the sudden break up of the group in 1982. Following the disbandment, Burke became the drummer for the Detroit based rock band, "The Romantics." Other acts for which he played included a wide range of musicians such as The Who's Pete Townsend, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, and the Eurythmics." In 1987, he played two shows with the legendary American punk band, "The Ramones," taking the pseudonym, "Elvis Ramone." For his work with "Blondie," Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Bio by: The Kentucky Hill Hunter

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Apr 10 2025, 12:09:09 UTC

Clem Burke Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Apr. 8 to Apr. 9, 2025.

Clem Burke, who played drums for the pioneering rock band Blondie for more than 50 years, died April 6, 2025 of cancer at the age of 70.

Though on paper there was an earlier iteration of the band with Billy O'Connor (1953–2015) on drums, that lasted just a few months, and the band wasn't truly fleshed out until Burke's driving rhythms were added in the spring of 1975. He helped give them a groove that would propel Blondie to stardom on the heels of massive hits like "Heart of Glass," "One Way or Another," "Call Me," "The Tide Is High," and "Rapture," with their blend of pop and early punk being mixed with reggae, disco, and other genres to create something wholly new. Burke remained a steady presence throughout the band's entire career, including several breakups and reunions. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 along with the rest of the band.

When not playing with Blondie, Burke played with the Romantics, best known for their enduring hits "What I Like About You" and "Talking in Your Sleep." At various times he also sat in with the Ramones, Dramarama, Joan Jett, Nancy Sinatra, Eurythmics, and many others.

"Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie," the band said in a written statement. "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."

(Image: Maureen Donaldson/Getty Images)

Blondie drummer Clem Burke dies, aged 70

Mark Savage
Music Correspondent

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clem_Burke cites
   1. Porter, Dick; Needs, Kris (February 13, 2017). Blondie: Parallel Lives. Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-780-8. GoogleBooks
   2. Kory Grow; Jason Newman (April 7, 2025). "Drummer Clem Burke, the 'Heartbeat of Blondie,' Dead at 70". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 7, 2025. link
   3. "Obituary: Clem Burke: drummer and 'beating heart' of Blondie". thetimes.com/uk. April 10, 2025. Retrieved April 11, 2025. link
   4. Roy Trakin; Lexy Perez (April 7, 2025). "Clem Burke, Blondie Drummer, Dies at 70". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
2. Clem Burke, Versatile, Hard-Driving Drummer for Blondie, Dies at 70 (April 7, 2025) < nytimes.com > He provided both the explosive percussion on “Call Me” and the laid-back rhythm on the reggae-influenced “The Tide Is High.”
3. https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/details/P9YN-15N
   1. "United States, GenealogyBank Obituaries, Births, and Marriages, 1980-2015", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X34C-982K : Tue Apr 08 03:15:42 UTC 2025), Entry for Clem Burke and Clement Bozewski, 7 April 2025.