Clem Burke, multifaceted drummer of iconic rock group Blondie, has died
Clem Burke, whose versatile drumming propelled the iconic rock group Blondie during its decades performing everything from new-wave punk to disco-infused tunes, has died. He was 70.
The band said in a statement on its website Monday that he died from cancer but no additional details were provided.
'Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie,' the band said in a statement. 'His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable.'
The self-proclaimed 'rock & roll survivalist' started playing the drums when he was 14 in his school orchestra but was kicked out for playing too loud, according to Blondie's website. In the 1970's, he answered a band's ad in the Village Voice seeking a 'freak energy' rock drummer, kicking off his decades-long career with lead singer Debbie Harry and the rest of his Blondie bandmates.
The band recorded its first album in 1976 and by the following year was touring with such icons as Iggy Pop and David Bowie. It became known as the most commercially successful band to emerge from a fertile New York rock scene that also produced Talking Heads and the Ramones.
In 2006 Burke and the other original members of Blondie were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after selling more than 42 million records, according to Blondie's website.
During the late 1970s and early '80s, the band had eight Top 40 hits, including four No. 1s: 'Heart of Glass,' 'Call Me,' 'The Tide Is High' and 'Rapture,' which is regarded as the first No. 1 hit to feature rap. There's also a five-track 1975 album demo that includes 'Platinum Blonde,' a sort of band mission statement. But Burke's mark was especially solidified with his rapid, powerful drumming at the start of 'Dreaming' in 1979.
In 2022, after unearthing a New Wave treasure trove of reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes and records, the band created the box set 'Blondie: Against the Odds, 1974-1982,' with 124 tracks and 36 previously unissued recordings, demos, outtakes and remixed versions of Blondie's initial six studio albums.
Burke reflected on the discovery in an Associated Press article: 'We never would have thought that we would still be here today. Looking back at our archives, it's pretty amazing.'
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame described Burke in a post Monday on the social platform X as 'a versatile and distinctive drummer who played exactly what each song required – and, when called for, let loose with blistering punk rock energy.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
BTS' RM and V Discharged From South Korean Military After Completing Mandatory Service
BTS members RM and V were discharged from the South Korean military on Monday after completing their 18-month mandatory service. Both RM and V were enlisted as active-duty soldiers in the Army. They mark the third and fourth members of the K-Pop group to finish their required time in the military, following J-Hope and Jin, who were released last year. Following their release, RM and V briefly spoke to the press, where they said they planned to return to the stage soon, according to Reuters. More from Rolling Stone Being Stray Kids Takes a Lot of Work - and Close Friendships Watch BTS' Jin Showcase 'Don't Say You Love Me' on 'Fallon' Jin's Rock-Star Dreams Are Big and Bold on 'Echo' RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook, and Suga all enlisted around similar times (RM and V enlisted individually through their own procedures, while Jimin and Jung Kook enlisted at the same time). Jungkook and Jimin are set to be released later this week, and Suga will be released at the end of the month. Suga was assigned alternative service, which typically involves a shorter duration, and will be the last BTS member to return from service. Details on an official BTS reunion have not yet been shared. Before enlisting, V shared a message with his fans, telling them, 'I will miss you so much,' 'It's the hardest not to see the ARMY. I'II be back after 18 months of being healthy, so take care of your ARMY and if you're looking for something to be happy about every day, cheers! I'm here! I'll be back! Within 18 months, I've prepared a lot of things. Please look forward do it,' V wrote. 'I'll really miss you. I love you so much.' Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Sly Stone, 82, dies after 'prolonged battle' with COPD: Signs, symptoms and risk factors
Sly Stone, the funk icon and frontman of the group Sly and the Family Stone, has died. The 82-year-old musician's family confirmed the death of their "beloved dad" following a "prolonged battle" with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and undisclosed "underlying health issues." "Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,' the family's June 9 statement read. 'While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.' This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. Stone, born Sylvester Stewart, helped pioneer a new sound of funk, pop and rock in the '60s, '70s' and '80s with hits like "Dance to the Music," "Sing a Simple Song" and "Everyday People." Stone and his band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2006. "His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable." the family's statement continued. "In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024." Stone addressed his health issues in a 2023 interview with The Guardian. 'I have trouble with my lungs, trouble with my voice, trouble with my hearing and trouble with the rest of my body, too,' he said. Stone later added that his ailments, "haven't stopped me from hearing music, but they have stopped me from making it." What is COPD is it something you should worry about when it comes to your own health? Read on to learn more about COPD. COPD is a progressive lung disease that causes airways to become swollen and blocked. It's an umbrella term used to describe various lung conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, according to COPD Canada. In chronic bronchitis, the airways in your lungs become inflamed and narrowed. This means eventually, you will develop more mucus, leading to a persistent cough and difficulty breathing. For emphysema, the disease develops over time and involves the gradual damage of tiny air sacs in your lungs called alveoli. The damage eventually causes these air sacs to rupture, reducing the surface area that lets oxygen move through the bloodstream. The most common symptoms of COPD are difficulty breathing, chronic cough (sometimes with mucus) and feeling tired, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Canadian Lung Association added a person with COPD might also present some of the following symptoms: Feeling short of breath Lung infections (like the flu or pneumonia) that may last longer than they would in others Wheezing Losing weight without trying These symptoms can get worse quickly and may be called flare-ups. "These usually last for a few days and often require additional medicine," WHO stated. COPD develops over time, often as a result of a combination of risk factors, according to the WHO. These may include: Smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke Exposure to dusts, fumes or chemicals in the workplace Indoor air pollution from sources like burning fuel for heat or coal to cook Asthma in childhood Early life events, including poor growth in utero, prematurity or frequent respiratory infections A rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency The Canadian Lung Association indicated adults over age 40 who smoke or previously smoked may be at risk of COPD. "It is important to speak to a healthcare provider if you are at risk of COPD, even if you don't have symptoms or have only mild symptoms," the organization stated. "COPD is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time." COPD is severely underdiagnosed, according to the health charity. That's because people living with the disease may not show any symptoms, or they link their symptoms to factors like age, a common respiratory infection or a "smoker's cough." Moreover, some people who have stopped smoking may believe they can no longer develop COPD. Historically, COPD was associated with older men who had a history of smoking. While the number of men and women who die of COPD in Canada each year is roughly equal, recent research has indicated COPD is likely underdiagnosed in women. The Canadian Lung Association shared women might also experience more severe symptoms and have earlier disease onset. Finally, over the past two decades, there has been a rising number of COPD hospitalizations for both women in the 40 to 64 age group as well as those older than 65. That's in addition to a decreasing number of hospitalizations in men. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lung Health Foundation (@lunghealthfoundation) In Canada, one in four people will be diagnosed with COPD. There are more than two million Canadians impacted by the disease, and a further one million likely living with the condition unknowingly. COPD is also the second-leading cause of hospitalization in Canada, behind only childbirth. Globally, the WHO has indicated COPD is the third-leading cause of death, causing more than three million deaths in 2019 alone. That year, there were more than 212 million prevalent cases of COPD reported worldwide. There is no cure for COPD. Still, there are ways to improve the condition and possibly slow its progression. Since the majority of COPD cases are related to using cigarettes, it's best to never smoke — or stop smoking now. Moreover, you should speak to your supervisor about protection if you work around occupational exposure to chemical fumes, dusts or anything other elements that may increase your risk for COPD.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Cheryl Burke Responds to Critics Who Say She ‘Looks So Different' amid Weight Loss: ‘You're Allowed to Evolve'
In a post about prioritizing mental health, Cheryl Burke responded to criticism about her looks since her recent weight loss The DWTS alum said people are projecting and she's 'allowed to evolve' She previously told PEOPLE that she's lost about 35 lbs. since focusing on how she feels rather than how she looksCheryl Burke has had enough of the online criticism about her looks. On June 6, the Dancing with the Stars alum, 41, posted on Instagram and discussed protecting her mental health as she continues to deal with social media comments about her new appearance since losing weight. 'The noise that was never yours to carry,' she wrote alongside a selfie. 'Online Criticism: 'You look so different. Did she get work done? You were better before…' Truth: People project. Let them. You're allowed to evolve.' 'There comes a moment when you realize the loudest voice in the room doesn't always speak the truth,' Burke added in the caption. 'The opinions. The projections. The pressure. You don't have to carry any of it…' The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! 'Choosing your peace isn't selfish — it's sacred,' she wrote. 'You were never meant to live your life on someone else's volume setting…✨ Save this for the days it gets loud. #protectyourpeace #boundariesarebeautiful #mentalhealthawareness.' Last month, Burke spoke to PEOPLE and set the record straight about her recent weight loss. She explained that living a healthy lifestyle was always a priority for her, but things changed once she entered her 40s. 'I've noticed not only my skin changing into mature skin, but also just my metabolism has changed quite a lot,' she said. 'I've noticed my feet cramping randomly if I'm not moving often. Obviously, I'm not as active as I was when I was on the show, but it's just been a whole change for me.' As someone who struggled with body image in the past, the professional dancer — who left DWTS in 2022 after 26 seasons — knew she couldn't approach her health the same way she did when she was younger. Back then she was 'obsessive' over the number on the scale. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'It would really affect my mood on a daily basis if I didn't feel like I was skinny enough,' she admitted. 'It's just not healthy.' Burke said she decided to shift her focus moving forward, 'starting from within first instead of the aesthetic of what I look like from the outside.' The former dancer found success in intermittent fasting, eating clean foods, going for long walks daily and taking workout classes with the Fitbit app. Although she hasn't kept a scale in her house in several years, Burke noted that as a result of her efforts, she's probably lost between 30 to 35 lbs. in recent months. 'I have so much more energy than I ever have,' she said. Despite feeling better than ever, Burke said she's been hurt by relentless online criticism. Her social media comments have been filled with messages accusing her of taking Ozempic for weight loss, losing too much weight, ditching her brand of promoting body positivity and more. 'I just want people to know that I'm not sick and I have never gone under the knife for anything. I didn't get a brow lift, I didn't get a face transplant. This is my body and this is how I feel best in it today,' she told PEOPLE. Read the original article on People
