Clem Burke’s style made him one of the most dynamic and revered drummers in rock history. As Blondie burst onto the scene in the mid ’70s, Clem’s drumming became the heartbeat of their genre-blending sound, helping to drive classic hits like “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me,” and “Atomic”.. and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Blondie in 2006.
Though he may best be known as being the drummer for Blondie, his career spanned over five-decades, and to me and countless others, will always be known as Elvis Ramone, where he filled in on drums twice for The Ramones after Ritchie left and just before Marky Ramone would return.
Clem also collaborated with a wide range of artists. In January he stopped in Long Beach at Alex’s Bar with Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols to perform a packed show. Clem was super laid back, even pausing to take some photos with his fans.
I had seen and photographed Clem a number of times since I saw him in NY in 2006, and at Alex’s Bar in January 2024.
Born on November 24, 1954, Clem passed on April 7, 2025, of cancer, a private battle he had been fighting.
Rest in power, Clem. You kept perfect time in a world that never stopped spinning.
Memorial & Photographs by Maggie St.Thomas
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