Blondie’s longtime drummer, Clem Burke, sadly passed away on April 7 at the age of 70 after quietly battling cancer. In a heartfelt statement on social media, his bandmates shared how much Burke meant to them — not just as a musician, but as a person. They praised his “rock-solid” work ethic, his loyalty, and the incredible spirit he brought to everything he did.
“He was the heartbeat of Blondie,” the band wrote, adding that his talent, energy, and passion for music were truly one-of-a-kind.
Burke is survived by his wife, Ellen, who he married in 2002. Even though she was married to a famous rock star, Ellen always kept a low profile. She reportedly worked as a pediatric nurse, but not much is publicly known about when or where she practiced.
Fans got a rare glimpse into their relationship last year when Burke posted a sweet photo of Ellen on Instagram for her birthday. In the picture, she was lovingly looking at flowers in a shop, and Burke simply captioned it, “Happy Birthday, Ellen!”
The two shared over 20 years of marriage and, while they never had children, they seemed to enjoy a happy, private life together.
The announcement of Burke’s passing was made by his bandmates, who spoke fondly of the huge impact he had — not just within Blondie, but in the wider music world too. They remembered him as someone who inspired everyone around him, whether he was behind the drums or just being himself.
Over his legendary career, Burke played with a ton of iconic artists besides Blondie — including Eurythmics, the Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Nancy Sinatra, Chequered Past, The Fleshtones, and The Romantics. Blondie’s tribute summed it up best, saying his influence spanned decades and touched so many different styles of music.
In their final message, the band sent their condolences to Burke’s family, friends, and the millions of fans who loved him. They also respectfully asked for privacy for those closest to him during this difficult time.
