Clem Burke & Co.

[Headroom]

Saw Blondie perform a set at the local music and arts festival around here. With all due respect to Ringo, Bun E. (Cheap Trick), and Prairie Prince (Tubes), Clem Burke may be the best power-pop drummer in the genre. He must be over 50, but played with the energy of three 18 year-olds. And yes, Ms. Harry’s still got it. I recommend the show if they happen to swing by your neighborhood. You won’t be disappointed.

[srxplayer]

I saw Clem Burke live when he briefly played with the Plimsouls. That was around '95. He was great. Lots of energy and great fills. I always liked Clem Burkes style and have always considered him an influence on me.

I asked Peter Case last October (I was at one of his solo shows in Pasadena) about the latest Plimsouls drummer and who he was. Then I asked what was it like playing with Clem Burke? He rolled his eyes, "and said oh, that guy, jeez...yeah he was, uh he was just too much for me to deal with. Way too over the top for us"

That was also about the time when Blondie got back together and started touring again. So things worked out for both of them

[invader3k]

Somewhat obscure fact: Clem Burke almost became drummer for the Ramones in the mid '80s after Richie Ramone left, but they opted to bring back Marky Ramone to play drums. Clem would have gone under the name "Elvis Ramone". I think he actually did two gigs with them using that name.