Blondie drummer, Clem Burke, died, the group on social media announced on Monday. He was 70 years old
“It is with deep sadness that we relay the news of the death of our friend and a beloved group Clem Burke after a private battle against cancer,” said singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein a declaration In the name of “the whole blonde family”.
The details of Burke cancer have not been revealed.
“Clem was not only a drummer; he was Blondie's heart rate,” said the declaration. “His talent, her energy and his passion for music have been unrivaled, and his contributions to our sound and our success are immeasurable. Beyond his musicality, Clem was a source of inspiration both on the stage and out of the stage. His vibrant mind, his contagious enthusiasm and his solid rock work ethics touched all those who had the privilege of knowing him. ”
Born Clement Anthony Bozewski on November 24, 1954, Burke joined the group shortly after its creation in 1974 by Harry and Stein and played on all Blondie albums, including “Parallel Lines”, the 1979 release which included the successful single “Heart of Glass”.
The nature that crosses the genre of this song has turned out some punk fans, but not Burke.
“The dance was as subversive as punk for me. We are doing” glass heart “was our way of pissing off people in our own circles,” he said SXSW festival in 2014.
Burke was “a” self-proclaimed rock & roll “survivalist,” said the group, who was not inaugurated when Blondie separated in 1982 years after the successes “Call me”, “La tide is high” and “Rapture”. Blondie reunited periodically, in 1997 and beyond. At that time, he played with musicians including Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, The Fleshtones, The Romantics, Dramarama and The Go-Go's, to name a few.
Burke was inducted with his blondry comrades in rock and roll Hall of Fame in March 2006.
In 2011, he received an honorary doctorate from the British Gloucestershire University, the Bbc Reported, in recognition of his “revolutionary work with students” linked to a research project, he began to study the positive physical and psychological effects of the battery. The study followed the heart rate, the absorption of oxygen and the blood lactate levels of professional drummers during rehearsals and during live shows, said the point of sale. He included the tastes of the drummer of Rush Neil Peart and led to the conclusion that the best rock drummers needs the same endurance As an elite level football player.
“His influence and his contributions lasted decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on each project he was a part,” said the group’s press release.
“We express our deepest condolences to family, friends and Clem fans around the world. His heritage will live through the enormous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched. As we sail on this deep loss, we ask for intimacy during this difficult period. Goodspeed, Dr Burke. “
