Blondie Remembers Drummer Clem Burke on 1-Year Anniversary of His Death

The band pays tribute to their late bandmate who passed away in 2025 after a private battle with cancer.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:00am

An abstract close-up photograph of a shattered disco ball reflecting glittering shards of light, conveying the bittersweet emotions surrounding the loss of a legendary rock musician.The shattered remnants of a disco ball capture the vibrant energy and lasting impact of Blondie's late drummer Clem Burke.Indio Today

Blondie is honoring their longtime drummer Clem Burke, who died one year ago at the age of 70 following a private battle with cancer. The band shared a heartfelt message on social media, remembering Burke as the 'heartbeat of Blondie' whose 'talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched' during his decades with the iconic new wave group.

Why it matters

Clem Burke was an integral part of Blondie's sound and success, playing on all of their albums since joining the band in 1975. His death was a major loss for the group, and this one-year anniversary serves as an opportunity for Blondie to publicly mourn their bandmate and celebrate his lasting legacy.

The details

Burke, born Clement Anthony Bozewski, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Blondie in 2006. The band has said he played on their upcoming 2026 album 'High Noon,' indicating his musical contributions will continue to be heard even after his passing.

  • Clem Burke died on April 7, 2025.
  • Blondie announced Burke's death on April 7, 2025.
  • Blondie is expected to release a new album, 'High Noon', in 2026.

The players

Blondie

An American rock band formed in New York City in 1974, known for their new wave and pop rock sound.

Clem Burke

The longtime drummer for Blondie who passed away in 2025 at the age of 70 after a private battle with cancer.

Debbie Harry

The lead singer and co-founder of Blondie.

Chris Stein

The guitarist and co-founder of Blondie.

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What they’re saying

“It is difficult to believe a year has passed... there is a hole in our hearts. Yet his energy lives on—vibrant, resonating in ways we can't fully understand. You are deeply missed, @clem.burke.”

— Blondie, Band

“Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie. His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable.”

— Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, Blondie Co-Founders

What’s next

Blondie is expected to release a new album, 'High Noon', in 2026 which will feature Clem Burke's drumming.

The takeaway

Clem Burke's passing was a major loss for Blondie, as he was an integral part of the band's iconic sound and success for over four decades. His drumming and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed, but his musical legacy will live on through Blondie's future releases.