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Clem Burke, Blondie’s drummer and ‘heartbeat’, dies aged 70

Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, founding members of the new wave hitmakers, pay tribute to their late bandmate

His talent, energy and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable … His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.” Alongside his work with Blondie, Burke played in supergroups such as the International Swingers, Slinky Vagabond and Magic Christian, and guested with artists as varied as Ramones, Eurhythmics, Bob Dylan and Nancy Sinatra. Born and raised in Bayonne, New Jersey, Burke tinkered with local covers groups and a drum corps before moving to New York, auditioning for Blondie in 1975 to replace the band’s original drummer, Billy O’Connor.

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