Biography

Drummer Clem Burke was born Clement Anthony Bozewski on November 24, 1954 in Bayonne, New Jersey. Burke first became involved in the rock music scene after he met guitarist Steve Jones at various rock hangouts in London, England in the mid 70s. In 1975 Clem joined the hugely popular, successful, and innovative New Wave rock group Blondie and remained a member of the band until Blondie broke up in the early 80s. He later played an instrumental part in the late 90s reunion of Blondie. Burke was the drummer for the group Chequered Past from 1982 to 1984. Moreover, Clem was the drummer for the Eurythmics throughout the 80s; he's featured on three albums by the Eurythmics and appeared as part of the band at the Free Nelson Mandela concert in 1988. Among the other music artists Burke has worked with throughout the years are Pete Townsend, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, the Romantics, Wanda Jackson, Johnny Thunders, the Plimsouls, and Dramarama. In 1987 Clem played two concert gigs for the Ramones. He toured and recorded with Nancy Sinatra from 2004 to 2005. In addition, Burke also played drums on Kathy Valentine's debut solo album "Light Years" in 2005. In 2006 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of Blondie. More recently Clem has played drums for the groups Slinky Vagabond, Magic Christian, and the Hugh Cornwell Band.