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Clem Burke: From Heart of Glass to Heart of Groove
Few drummers in rock history strike the perfect balance between punk ferocity, pop precision, and sheer showmanship the way Clem Burke does. As the longtime drummer for Blondie, Burke isn’t just a timekeeper — he’s a sonic fireball, propelling hits with his explosive fills, relentless energy, and unmistakable flair. From the pounding rhythms of “Dreaming” to the sharp snap of “Hanging on the Telephone”, Burke’s drumming has become a defining part of Blondie’s genre-blending sound. But his career and influence stretch far beyond just one band. Dive into the world of Clem Burke, where vintage inspiration meets modern endurance, and drums don’t just accompany the music — they lead it.
Early Life
Born Clement Anthony Bozewski in Bayonne, New Jersey, USA, Clem started playing drums at a young age, idolizing bands from the British Invasion era. He was obsessed with music and began developing his chops in local bands during his teenage years. In the early 1970s, he played with various jam bands in New Jersey.
As part of that generation where British Invasion bands and 60’s American session players were the ultimate guides, Burke often cited drummers like Ringo Starr (The Beatles), Keith Moon (The Who), Hal Blaine (Wrecking Crew), and Earl Palmer (Session legend) as his influences.
Career Highlights
Joined Blondie in 1975: Clem became a key member of Blondie just as they were forming, helping define their punk-meets-pop sound.
Blondie‘s Breakthrough: The late ’70s and early ’80s saw huge hits like Heart of Glass, Call Me, Rapture, and The Tide Is High. Burke‘s drumming was central to the band’s eclectic sound.
Post-Blondie Projects:
- Played with The Eurythmics, The Ramones (as “Elvis Ramone” for two shows in 1987), Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, Pete Townshend, Nancy Sinatra, Joan Jett, and The Romantics.
- Formed The International Swingers with Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), James Stevenson (Generation X), and Gary Twinn (Supernaut).
- Continued touring and recording with Blondie.
Drumming Style
Clem Burke’s style is energetic, flashy, and full of feel. He mixes punk energy, pop precision, and a strong classic rock foundation.
Key features:
- High-speed hi-hat work
- Strong backbeats with flair
- Lots of Keith Moon-style fills
- Polished execution even in punky settings
Songs like “Dreaming” and “Hanging on the Telephone” showcase his stamina and control.
Legacy and Recognition
In 2006, Burke became a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee with Blondie. He was hugely respected by peers for his longevity, versatility, and dedication to the instrument. Burke helped bridge the gap between punk aggression and pop polish, inspiring drummers across genres. He also studied the physical and cognitive effects of drumming in the “Clem Burke Drumming Project”, showing how intense drumming impacts health and stamina.
On April 6, 2025, due to cancer, Burke passed away at the age of 70.
Top Clem Burke Drum Performances
Clem Burke has so many killer performances where his drumming just jumps out of the speakers. Here are some of the top tracks and live moments that showcase his energy, style, and skills behind the kit:
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“Dreaming” – Blondie (1979)
This is Clem Burke’s signature performance.
- Wild, non-stop, Keith Moon-style fills
- Unrelenting energy and speed
- It’s practically a drum solo disguised as a pop song
- Debbie Harry once joked that if Clem had played a bit less intensely, the song would’ve been a hit.
Listen for the hi-hat work and the insane snare rolls throughout — it’s all muscle and precision.
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“Hanging on the Telephone” – Blondie (1978)
- Short, punchy, punky — Clem brings urgency to this track.
- Tight snare hits and locked-in grooves make the song feel like it’s on fast-forward (in the best way).
Listen to how he drives the whole song with barely a moment to breathe.
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“One Way or Another” – Blondie (1978)
- A deceptively simple groove, but Clem adds subtle pushes and fills to give it edge.
- The shuffle beat in the chorus is perfect — controlled chaos with swagger.
Listen to those little ghost notes on the snare and how his drumming builds intensity without ever going over the top.
- Co-written with Giorgio Moroder — has a disco-rock vibe.
- Clem’s drumming gives it drama and dance-floor propulsion.
- It’s a solid example of how he adapted to synth-driven pop without losing the rock feel.
Listen for how his fills connect sections and create flow.
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“Rip Her to Shreds” – Blondie (1976)
- Early punk swagger. Clem’s tom work and swing-like cymbal groove stand out.
- You can hear his garage rock roots on this one.
Listen for that perfect blend of rawness and finesse.
Clem Burke’s drumming is more than a backdrop to Blondie’s hits — it’s a driving force, a heartbeat, and at times, a full-blown statement of intent. His ability to merge punk edge with classic pop sensibilities makes him a rare talent in the drumming world. Whether he’s behind the kit with Blondie, collaborating with rock legends, or being studied for the physical intensity of his playing, Clem remains a testament to what happens when technical skill meets raw passion. For anyone who’s ever felt the pulse of a Blondie song and thought, “What is that rhythm doing to me?” — chances are, it’s Clem Burke, changing the game one thunderous beat at a time.
