Northern Ireland Science Festival 2026
Professor Ruth Lowry (Ulster University) and Professor Marcus Smith (University of Chichester) deliver successful Clem Burke Drumming Project exhibit at the Northern Ireland Science Festival in Belfast (14-02-26).
Donation page now ‘live’ to help deliver Clem’s legacy.
Bradford Science Festival 2025
Great time sharing research findings about the physical and mental health benefits of drumming at Bradford Science Festival (2025). Thank you to Mark Richardson for supporting the interactive sessions on the Roland electronic drum kits.
Celebration of Life: Clem Burke
Clem Burke
It is with great sadness to share the news of Clem Burke’s passing following a private battle with cancer.
Clem was the heartbeat behind the band Blondie and inspirational figure head of the Clem Burke Drumming Project (CBDP).
The origins of the CBDP can be traced back to conversations between Clem and Professor Marcus Smith (University of Chichester) in 1998.
What set out as a one-off study exploring the physical demands of playing the drums ‘live’ grew into a programme of work exploring the physical health and mental wellbeing benefits of drumming.
The involvement of Professor Steve Draper (Hartpury University) from 2003 onwards was key to the CBDP’s development. In 2008 the CBDP was officially launched by Clem, Marcus and Steve. In 2010 Professor Ruth Lowry (Ulster University) and Professor Steve Williams (Kings College London) became important additions to a ‘band of academics’ producing an evidence base that drumming is good for your body, mind and soul.
Clem became a ‘Dr of Rock’ when awarded a Doctor of Music by the University of Gloucester (2011) and University of Chichester (2022) for his contribution to the arts and science.
Honorary Post-Graduate: Clem Burke | University of Chichester
Outstanding moments of the CBDP to date include Clem’s involvement in Owain Wyn Evans BBC Children in Need Drumathon (2021), raising £4million for vulnerable young adults in the UK and attendance at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition (2023) where Clem called for a change in the school national curriculum to embrace drumming as a valued activity.
The Clem Burke Drumming Project will continue, as approved by Clem, and we look forward to continuing his legacy through the activities we undertake. Gone but never forgotten.
ALERT: Drumming PhD starting in 2025
Fantastic opportunity to undertake a fully funded PhD exploring rock drumming as a movement and cognitive intervention for older adults with cognitive impairment. Director of Studies is Professor Ruth Lowry, based at Ulster University. Application deadline 3 February 2025; Interview date 10-12 March 2025: Preferred student start date 15 September 2025.
For more information click on link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/4-psychology,-psychiatry-and-neuroscience/1681774
Congratulations to Ruth Lowry on becoming a Professor of Health and Exercise Psychology at Ulster University. Ruth is the lead academic behind all of the CBDP research projects exploring the effects of drumming on children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Exciting projects planned for 2025.
CBDP ‘Drumming for Health’ exhibit to be on display at Manchester Science Festival between 18-24 October 2024. Professor Marcus Smith and colleagues look forward to sharing latest research findings showing the physical and mentals health benefits of drumming.
Professor Marcus Smith to present at University of Chichester 2024 Research Conference. The presentation will focus on how best to disseminate research findings to the public.
Are you interested in studying for a PhD?
Applications are now open for a research position exploring the physical and mental health benefits of drumming. The programme of work will be directed by Professor Steve Draper and based at Hartpury University (Gloucester, UK).
Follow the link to find out more and apply. Closing date midnight (UK time) 5th July 2024. Successful applicants invited for interview on 15th July 2024.
https://url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/4gzzC60gGfPzo87cpso04?domain=findaphd.com
Mental health benefits of drumming to be shared at ‘It’s Mental Live 2024’ event on Friday 1st March.
Ongoing collaboration with Heart Heroes Charity going from strength-to-strength. Great FUN had by all (24/02/2024).
Drumming for Health exhibit at the Norwich Science Festival (17-24/02/2024) showcasing the physical and mental health benefits of drumming.
Clem Burke Drumming Project to present latest research findings at Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition showing that drumming is good for your physical and mental health.
Date: 4-9 July 2023
Location: 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, St James’s, London SW1Y 5AG.
Admission: FREE
Pre-Christmas Public Lecture to be given by Prof Steve Draper at Hartpury University on 15 December 2022. Hear about the physical and mental health benefits of drumming.
Click on link below to book ticket, ALL WELCOME:
The University of Chichester is to award Clem Burke an Honorary Doctorate of Music in recognition for being a world class drummer, entertainer and figure head of the distinguished Clem Burke Drumming Project.
As one of the founding members of Blondie, Clem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, having sold more than 42 million records. Number one hit singles and albums helped cement Clem’s place in the Rolling Stone list of 100 Greatest Drummers of All Time.
As a member of the Eurythmics, Clem won a Grammy for his contribution to the song Missionary Man and has collaborated with various esteemed bands and artists, including: The Ramones, Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, Pete Townsend and Nancy Sinatra.
He has won further critical acclaim with the Sky Arts access all areas music documentary My View: Clem Burke and is currently riding high in the charts with Blondie’s Against The Odds retrospective archive box set.
Clem has just finished recording Blondie’s latest album and has produced and co-written the rock opera Songs From The Big Smoke with talk of a West End musical. At the present time Clem is putting the finishing touches to his upcoming memoir The Other Side of the Dream (my life in and out of Blondie).
Click on link to book ticket to after award show:
doctor-of-rock.eventbrite.co.uk
1-Day Drumming Conference to take place at the University of Chichester on 13th July 2022
Agenda https://bit.ly/3GD17zv
Speakers https://bit.ly/3GBQTPU
Eventbrite link https://thesciencebehindthesticks.eventbrite.co.uk
BBC Children in Need 24-hour Drumathon
Professor Marcus Smith provided scientific support over the full 24 hour Drumathon! A moment in history when the drumming community came together to create something very special.
Drumathon 2021
Pleased to announce our support to Owain Wyn Evans BBC Children in Need 24-hour Drumathon. The challenge will take place on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th November. Please visit BBC Children in Need website to donate.
Heart Heroes
A great pleasure and privilege supporting Heart Heroes (@HeartHeroes1) in bringing drumming to children in Gloucester. Awesome collaboration led by Prof Steve Draper, supported by Phil Jones (@inspiredrums).
New funding to allow drumming research to expand.
New funding has been awarded from the Youth Music Charity, Arts Council UK and National Lottery to support new drumming projects delivered by the CBDP. The bid was led by Prof Steve Draper and will see new research being undertaken in Liverpool and Gloucestershire, in collaboration with Inspire Drums and Roland Company (Drums).
Exciting research project undertaken in Bedfordshire.
A research collaboration between Weatherfield Academy School, Central Bedfordshire Children’s Services & Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group, Inspiring Music and the CBDP has been undertaken. Funding was secured via an NHS England grant to provide drumming lessons to a cohort of autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome pupils. Positive findings were recorded for enhanced physical capability, health and well-being following a 5-week drumming programme.
Great article showcasing CBDP associate and colleague Andy Franklin (ALF Drum Studios) for his outstanding contribution to drumming tuition.
Clem Burke, Prof Steve Williams and Dr Marcus Smith discuss the science of drumming.
Latest research findings featured in January 2021 issue of Rhythm drumming magazine.
For those wanting to collaborate on future CBDP research projects or activities, please register your details on the CONTACT US page of the website. We look forward to hearing from you.
Animated drumming video showcasing the physical demands of drumming, latest research findings and future directions.
On Wednesday 4th November an animated video will be posted showcasing our latest drumming and brain research.
Congratulations Mark Richardson (drummer, Skunk Anansie).
Awarded a Distinction in his MA in Music Industry and Innovation & Enterprise degree.
Mark has played a key role in supporting CBDP research activities since 2011.
(photo taken at the University of Chichester)
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Female drummers wanted!
We are looking to increase the number of female drummers collaborating on our research projects. Please get in touch via the ‘Contact Us’ page if you are interested.
Anna Key’s during the ‘Sex P***** Dolls’ gig at the iconic 100 Club in London on 23rd November 2019.
(Warning: STROBE LIGHTING!).
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Clem and The Split Squad playing the iconic 100 Club in London on 23rd November 2019.
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The CBDP would like to congratulate Dr Ruth Lowry on her new appointment at Essex University (School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences).
We look forward to future exciting research collaborations exploring the health benefits of drumming.
Dr Ruth Lowry presenting drumming based research at International Conference.
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Latest UK tour dates featuring
Clem Burke and Bootleg Blondie.
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Prof Steve Draper:
Presenting CBDP research at the 2019 International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD) Congress in Glasgow (08/08/2019).
‘Attack of the giant ants’.
(*warning STROBE LIGHTING!!)
Clem Burke & Bootleg Blondie playing ‘Attack of the giant ants‘ during 2019 Tour.
Check Bootleg Blondie website for future tour dates featuring Clem Burke.
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Promotion for CBDP co-founder
It is with great pleasure to announce that Dr Steve Draper (co-founder, Clem Burke Drumming Project) has been appointed Professor of Sport & Exercise Science by Hartpury University.
This promotion is not only a significant milestone for Steve but also for the CBDP as it reflects the academic value of our research investigating the health and well-being benefits of drumming.
Hal Blaine (1929-2019).
It is with deepest sadness to learn of the passing of Hal Blaine. A pioneer and legend of drumming. Clem often credits Hal as a true ‘inspiration’ whose legacy will live on within the rhythms he created across so many songs, across so many years,
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CBBB Tour 2019.
Clem Burke and Bootleg Blondie (CBBB) have completed a UK Tout in partnership with the homeless charity ‘Shelter’. Visit EVENTS tab (Bootleg Blondie 2019) on main website for more details.
Photo credit: Â Tim Hale
CLEM BURKE AND ‘BOOTLEG BLONDIE‘ UK TOUR JAN/FEB 2019Â
Visit Bootleg Blondie here
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