The music world is mourning the loss of founding Blondie member Clem Burke, widely considered one of the great rock drummers of his era. As Blondie announced earlier on April 7, Burke died at age 70 “following a private battle with cancer.”
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Clem was played on every Blondie album, contributing to such enduring classics as “Heart of Glass,” “One Way or Another,” “Call Me,” “Dreaming,” “Rapture,” and “The Tide Is High.”
Burke also performed and recorded with a wide variety of other artists, and his musicianship was prized by many of his well-known musical friends and associates. In 2006, Clem was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Blondie.
In the wake of Burke’s passing, many famous musicians and singers have taken to their social media pages to pay tribute to the beloved beat keeper. Here’s a look at a number of those homages.
Duran Duran Members
Duran Duran keyboardist Nick Rhodes and bassist John Taylor both issued statements celebrating Burke and expressing their sadness over his loss.
“I am so sad to hear that Clem has made his final exit,” Rhodes wrote. “He was a real one of a kind and one of the greatest drummers in one of the greatest [bands] of his generation. A drum roll rarely sounded better, his beats were solid as a rock and he always played with great panache. A truly special person, bursting with positive energy. My thoughts are with his family, friends, band and fans.”
Added Taylor, “It’s not often I am as saddened about the passing of a musical artist as I am Clem Burke. As a drummer he was phenomenal, just listen to him on ‘Call Me’ or ‘Heart of Glass.’ Really everything he played had tight dynamic energy, like Keith Moon on a tightrope. And the loveliest of guys. I met Clem many times and he was always upbeat and happy to chat.”
Taylor also recalled how impressed he was hearing Burke and Blondie play at the 2024 Cruel World festival, which Duran Duran headlined.
“Listening backstage … the Durans were all like, ‘What a rhythm section,’” John shared. “He went out as hot as he came in. We will miss you Clem, thanks for the grooves.”
Devo’s Jerry Casale
Co-founding Devo member Jerry Casale also expressed sadness about Burke’s death, while noting that he’d known the drummer for nearly a half century.
“I’m in shock at Clem Burke’s passing,” Casale wrote. “I first met him in 1977 when I intersected the Blondie phenomenon in Cleveland Ohio, where they opened for Iggy Pop. In awe of his unparalleled style and intimidated by his New York ‘cool,’ he imprinted me with the performance standard that would define the ’80s and beyond.”
He added, “My sincere condolences to [Blondie’s Chris Stein and Debbie Harry] and all those in Clem’s orbit.”
Accompanying Casale’s message was a photo of Devo and Blondie during their joint 2012 “Whip It to Shreds!” tour.
The Kinks’ Dave Davies
Founding Kinks lead guitarist Dave Davies posted a brief tribute on his X page that reads, “I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace. Spectacular drumming. We were friends.”
I feel saddened that Clem Burke was taken from us so soon. May he rest in peace. Spectacular drumming. We were friends. #clemburke https://t.co/PBJG0hpSjV
— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) April 7, 2025
Nancy Sinatra
Burke toured with pop legend Nancy Sinatra for many years as part of her backing group. He also contributed to some of her studio recordings.
Sinatra posted a heartfelt, emotional message about Clem on her socials.
“I just awakened to the devastating news that Clem Burke has left us far too soon,” she wrote. “My heart is shattered. Clem became an icon as a member of [Blondie,] but he was also a important part of my band, the K.A.B. I was blessed to call him my friend. If I ever needed him, he was there. Always. Sending healing prayers and comfort to his widow, Ellen, his family, and all who loved him.”
Nancy added, “Your life was beautiful, Clem, and I will never forget you or the times we shared. Your memory will live on in my heart and in the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Godspeed, dear friend. I love you.”
Attached to Sinatra’s post was a series of photos of Burke posing and performing with Nancy over the years.
Ex-Smith Guitarist Johnny Marr
Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr posted a brief tribute to Burke on his social media pages that reads, “Rest in peace Clem. A musical great and one of the good guys.”
Marr included a black-and-white photo of him and Burke with arms around each other’s shoulders in his post.
Marr has worked with Burke and Blondie multiple times in recent years.
He wrote a song called “My Monster” that appeared on Blondie’s 2017 studio album Pollinator and also played guitar on the record. In a 2023 interview with radio DJ Kyle Meredith, Burke revealed that Marr also had written a tune for Blondie’s next album, which hasn’t been released yet.
The Romantics
Burke played drums with veteran Detroit power-pop group The Romantics on and off from 1990 to about 2004.
The band paid homage to Clem with a Facebook message that reads in part, “It is with a heavy heart that we have learned that Clem Burke … has passed away. … A 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Burke was widely respected for both his artistry and passion. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation, influence, and rhythm that will resonate for generations.”
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