Blondie Frontwoman Mourns Beloved Drummer's Tragic Passing

In a recent interview, Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry, now 80 years old, reflected on the decades-long career of the iconic band. Notably, she spoke about the tragic loss of the band's drummer, Clem Burke, who passed away earlier this year after a private battle with cancer.

Harry fondly recalled Burke's post-show ritual, where he would emerge from behind the drums, dripping with sweat, and embrace her in a big bear hug. "I will miss that," she said. In a statement released in April, the band mourned the passing of their "beloved friend and bandmate," calling Burke "the heartbeat of Blondie" whose "talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched."

The statement went on to praise Burke's immeasurable contributions to Blondie's sound and success, as well as his inspiring presence both on and off the stage. However, the loss has taken a toll, and the band has decided to step away from touring as they recover. As Harry told Vanity Fair, "Keeping a rock band together for 50 years was like a marriage, and it's sad that with Clem's passing and without having Chris [Stein] onstage, I can't see myself being onstage as Blondie."

Despite the challenges, the band has been working on a new album, High Noon, set to be their first release since 2017's Pollinator. Harry remains passionate about her music, acknowledging that while she may not have the same endurance, she can "focus [her] energy a lot better" on their latest project. Though the future of Blondie's live performances remains uncertain, the band's legacy and the memory of Clem Burke will undoubtedly live on.