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Late Blondie Drummer Clem Burke's Memoir to Be Released
The book, titled 'The Other Side of the Dream (My Life In and Out of Blondie)', will hit shelves in September 2026.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:30pm
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The posthumous memoir of Blondie drummer Clem Burke offers a rare glimpse into the creative journey of a punk rock icon.NYC TodayClem Burke, the late drummer of the iconic punk band Blondie, will have his memoir published posthumously in September 2026. The book, titled 'The Other Side of the Dream (My Life In and Out of Blondie)', was started over 20 years ago but completed shortly before Burke's death in 2025 at the age of 70. The memoir follows Burke's journey from the streets of New York to stardom with Blondie, exploring the band's rise and the challenges of navigating fame in the music industry.
Why it matters
Blondie was a pioneering band that helped define the punk and new wave scenes in New York City in the 1970s. As the band's drummer for over four decades, Clem Burke's memoir offers a unique insider's perspective on the group's creative process and the experiences of a musician navigating the music industry. The book's publication also serves as a tribute to Burke's legacy and contributions to one of the most influential bands of the era.
The details
According to the book's description, Burke began writing his memoir over 20 years ago but often put it aside due to his commitments to Blondie. However, when cancer treatment and illness forced his retirement, completing the book became a priority, which he did shortly before his death. The memoir, with a foreword by comedian Fred Armisen, follows Burke's journey from the streets of New York to stardom in Blondie, exploring the explosive punk scene that gave rise to the band, the creative partnerships that defined their music, and the challenges of navigating fame in a constantly evolving industry.
- Clem Burke joined Blondie in 1975, shortly after the band formed in New York City.
- Blondie was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, with Burke as a member.
- Blondie's last album with Burke as the drummer was 2017's 'Pollinator'.
- Clem Burke passed away on April 6, 2025, at the age of 70.
- The memoir 'The Other Side of the Dream (My Life In and Out of Blondie)' will be released in the U.S. on September 8, 2026.
The players
Clem Burke
The late drummer of the iconic punk band Blondie, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 70. He joined the band in 1975 and appeared on all of their records, the last one being 2017's 'Pollinator'.
Blondie
A pioneering punk and new wave band that formed in New York City in the 1970s and helped define the city's music scene. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Fred Armisen
A comedian who has written the foreword for Clem Burke's posthumous memoir, 'The Other Side of the Dream (My Life In and Out of Blondie)'.
The takeaway
Clem Burke's posthumous memoir offers a unique and personal account of his journey with the iconic band Blondie, providing fans and music enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the creative process and experiences of a drummer who helped shape the punk and new wave scenes in New York City.
