Clem Burke (Honorary Doctor of Music, aka the ‘Doctor of Rock’), member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, co-founding member of the band ‘Blondie’ and Clem Burke Drumming Project.
Please note: Information contained on this website relates specifically to activities undertaken by Clem as part of the CBDP.
Blondie reformed in 1998 and performed a number of concerts in the UK.
Marcus attended the London Lyceum show and was fascinated by Clem’s energetic drumming style. Marcus wrote a letter to Clem outlining his work with the Great Britain Olympic boxing team and asked if Clem would like to collaborate on research exploring the physiological demands of drumming. Clem and Marcus met for the first time at Wembley Arena in 1999 during Blondie’s ‘No Exit’ tour, accompanied by Marcus’s colleague Dr Tim Holder (Sport Psychologist).
The first heart rate data of Clem playing live was captured during Blondie’s 1999 ‘No Exit‘ tour. The results were presented in Allan Metz book titled: ‘Blondie, from Punk to the Present: a Pictorial History‘ (published in 2002).
A typical representation of Clem’s heart rate trace during a Blondie concert is shown in the figure below.
In 2004 Clem participated in a study exploring the estimated energy expenditure of drumming. Clem’s data was significantly higher than those previously reported and represents more closely the true demands of rock/pop drumming.
In 2008 the Clem Burke Drumming Project was launched at the University of Gloucestershire.
The event became a global story with Clem appearing on BBC Breakfast time television, radio and social media.
In 2009 Clem visited the University of Chichester for the first time to talk to local business owners, University academics and local school children about the value of collaboration.
In 2010 Clem was interviewed as part of a BBC Radio 4 programme titled: ‘Beat It: The World of The Modern Drummer’. Comedian Phill Jupitas provided a humorous insight into the world of a rock/pop drummer. Clem talked about his life as a drummer and research being undertaken by the CBDP.
In 2011 Clem became the ‘Doctor of Rock‘ having been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by the University of Gloucestershire. This accolade was in recognition of Clem as a world class musician and his association with pioneering work exploring the science of rock/pop drumming. Clem was nominated by Dr Steve Draper. Click hear to listen to Steve’s citation.
In 2017 Clem visited the University of Chichester again as part of a SKY ARTS documentary titled: ‘MY VIEW: CLEM BURKE’. The programme provided a unique insight into Clem’s career as a drummer, interviewing fellow artists and members of the CBDP.
In 2018 SKY ARTS released the ‘MY VIEW: CLEM BURKE’ documentary in the UK. Click here to see documentary.
In 2021 Clem supported Owain Wyn Evans 24-Drumathon for BBC Children in Need. Clem was interviewed from his home in Los Angeles in the days leading up to the challenge and spoke to Owain during the event.
In 2022 Clem received an Honorary Doctor of Music from the University of Chichester for his significant contribution to music and inspirational leader of the Clem Burke Drumming Project.
Clem was nominated for the award by Professor Marcus Smith and you can hear his citation here. Click this link.
On the evening of receiving his award Clem joined ‘Bootleg Blondie’ for the encore to a gig to celebrate his achievements. To see Clem playing, click on link here.
In 2023 Clem attended the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition in support of the Clem Burke Drumming Project ‘Drumming for Health’ exhibit. At the press day Clem spoke about the need for policy holders to consider changes to the national school curriculum, specifically the need for more time to be given to creative subjects, including music.
In 2025 Clem sadly passed away following an illness. Described as the ‘heart beat’ behind Blondie the Clem Burke Drumming Project will honour his legacy by continuing to champion the health benefits of drumming. Gone but never forgotten.
‘There’s more to drumming than having a beer and walking on stage!’
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