The Heartbeat of Blondie - Clem Burke has Died

[gortex]

I was saddened to hear the news this afternoon that one of my inspirations for picking up the sticks has died , Clem Burke was to me one of the greats along with the likes of John Bonham , Cozy Powell and Neil Peart , different musical styles but the beat was in his Soul and he knew how to express it.

I liked Blondie mostly for Debbie Harry like any impressionable boy of my age but when I saw Clem playing Heart of Glass the beat and his style blew me away and led my on the path to becoming a drummer , many drummers have held my esteem through the years but as far as I can remember Clem was the first to open my eyes to the drums and the latest of my heroes to pass.

Clem died aged 70 following a "private battle with cancer" according to the band , I give them , his family and friends my deepest heartfelt condolences for their loss.

Clem and the band with Heart of Glass filmed in 2022.


Rock in Perpetuity Clem and thank you.

[SomeJackleg]

I give them , his family and friends my deepest heartfelt condolences for their loss.

same here, 

Blondie was a permanent fixture back during my days high school days and shortly afterwards.

although round here only three of there tunes were sure to be heard at some point during a friday or saturday night cruise down river road were all us hellions would gather for partying.



how many people remember this show, low quality video.









and one that many people say brought rap to the main stream. i disagree rap has never came close to this tune.

[SomeJackleg]

and the third tune,




and this one the year i left for the Corps, a little ray gay flavor,

[gortex]

Drum cam footage of Clem from Brisbane in 2017 , looks so simple 

[EndtheMadnessNow]

It was Blondie everyday for me in high school.

[HaarFager]

Blondie was one of my influences as well, only I was a guitar player, not a drummer.  I can remember when "One Way Or Another" was on the charts.  I'd be practicing it at my house and the two little neighbor girls would come over and listen to it.

It's sad to hear that musicians and entertainers that I've liked throughout my life are passing away.  I hope he had a good life and my condolences go out to his family, friends and bandmembers.