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The Other Side of the Dream: Explosive, intimate, unforgettable – the highly anticipated story of Blondie’s drummer and the punk scene that changed music forever, a must read for 2026
For anyone who loves music this is a backstage pass to a life lived fully as one of rock's greatest heroes.
Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie.
His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him – Debbie Harry and Chris Stein.
Clem began writing The Other Side of the Dream more than 20 years ago, often setting it aside amid relentless touring and recording schedules. When cancer treatment and illness forced his retirement in 2024, completing the book became a priority.
As a founding member of Blondie, Clem went on to influence a wide number of musicians, effortlessly moving between genres, bands and countries. In The Other Side of the Dream, Clem Burke reflects on his extraordinary journey from the gritty streets of New York City to global superstardom. With candour and wit, he recounts the explosive punk scene that gave rise to Blondie, the creative partnerships that defined their music and the challenges of navigating fame in a constantly evolving industry.
It's a rock and roll memoir like no other.
Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie.
His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him – Debbie Harry and Chris Stein.
Clem began writing The Other Side of the Dream more than 20 years ago, often setting it aside amid relentless touring and recording schedules. When cancer treatment and illness forced his retirement in 2024, completing the book became a priority.
As a founding member of Blondie, Clem went on to influence a wide number of musicians, effortlessly moving between genres, bands and countries. In The Other Side of the Dream, Clem Burke reflects on his extraordinary journey from the gritty streets of New York City to global superstardom. With candour and wit, he recounts the explosive punk scene that gave rise to Blondie, the creative partnerships that defined their music and the challenges of navigating fame in a constantly evolving industry.
It's a rock and roll memoir like no other.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
About the author
Clem Burke
3 books1 followerClement Burke was an American musician best known as the drummer for the band Blondie from 1975, shortly after the band formed, throughout the band's entire career, and he appeared on all of the band’s albums, along with two founding members, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein. He also played drums for the Ramones for a brief time in 1987, under the name Elvis Ramone.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 23, 2026
Oh, Clem...
This book broke my heart into a million and one pieces. I have been a Blondie and Clem Burke fan all my life and when I heard of Clem's passing early year the wind was took out of my sails, as the wonderful Kathy Valentine details in the tearful Afterword, "Clem Burke is eternal, forever." What a true statement about one of the best rock n roll drummers to ever grace this planet.
Throughout this book, it is filled with optimism and looks back in fondness. It details his many adventures pre, in-between and post Blondie with such respect and love it oozes off the pages which is a testament to the kind of person Clem was. His friendship with Debbie Harry & Chris Stein is very interesting, he doesn't go into detail as this book isn't Wikipedia it goes into the finer details of their working partnership. Debbie & Chris aren't painted as angels or demons, it's very neutral and rightly so. No need for drama.
The final lines of this book broke my heart and made me weep as they're so optimistic and hopeful about the future, it's just heartbreaking that Clem isn't around no more. "I'm not getting any younger, and I see myself cutting back at some point. Maybe. I guess we'll see. I've been saying it since the 1970s... I'll give it another eighteen months and see how it goes."
One of my favourite things I own is my used drum stick which was handed to me by Clem himself after a Bootleg Blondie show in which they played Parallel Lines in full and a lengthy myriad of Blondie tunes, at The Robin 2 venue in Bilston. I lived my best life and this was noted by the man himself as typically at the end Clem throws his sticks into the crowd but no he handed one to me personally!! It was like being given a gift from God himself. It sits proudly in my room in a protective case (obviously), my most prized possession.
Clem Burke is eternal, forever.
This book broke my heart into a million and one pieces. I have been a Blondie and Clem Burke fan all my life and when I heard of Clem's passing early year the wind was took out of my sails, as the wonderful Kathy Valentine details in the tearful Afterword, "Clem Burke is eternal, forever." What a true statement about one of the best rock n roll drummers to ever grace this planet.
Throughout this book, it is filled with optimism and looks back in fondness. It details his many adventures pre, in-between and post Blondie with such respect and love it oozes off the pages which is a testament to the kind of person Clem was. His friendship with Debbie Harry & Chris Stein is very interesting, he doesn't go into detail as this book isn't Wikipedia it goes into the finer details of their working partnership. Debbie & Chris aren't painted as angels or demons, it's very neutral and rightly so. No need for drama.
The final lines of this book broke my heart and made me weep as they're so optimistic and hopeful about the future, it's just heartbreaking that Clem isn't around no more. "I'm not getting any younger, and I see myself cutting back at some point. Maybe. I guess we'll see. I've been saying it since the 1970s... I'll give it another eighteen months and see how it goes."
One of my favourite things I own is my used drum stick which was handed to me by Clem himself after a Bootleg Blondie show in which they played Parallel Lines in full and a lengthy myriad of Blondie tunes, at The Robin 2 venue in Bilston. I lived my best life and this was noted by the man himself as typically at the end Clem throws his sticks into the crowd but no he handed one to me personally!! It was like being given a gift from God himself. It sits proudly in my room in a protective case (obviously), my most prized possession.
Clem Burke is eternal, forever.
July 23, 2026
Of all the Blondie related memoirs to date, Clem’s is by far my personal favourite.
Clem’s love and absolute passion for what he did and therefore who he was shines through so brightly.
The book was such an honest, unfiltered account of an extraordinarily talented man that got to live an incredible, yet grounded life.
Clem was such a beautiful, kind and generous person, and I was very honoured to be in his company a number of times over the years when Blondie toured Australia. This book is a wonderful record of his life, and a reminder of the man he shall forever be remembered as. It was bittersweet reading his words now that he is no longer with us in the physical sense, but it’s nice to know we can see him anytime in old footage, or listen to his magnificent drumming with just a few clicks.
A book I highly recommend. 🥁
Clem’s love and absolute passion for what he did and therefore who he was shines through so brightly.
The book was such an honest, unfiltered account of an extraordinarily talented man that got to live an incredible, yet grounded life.
Clem was such a beautiful, kind and generous person, and I was very honoured to be in his company a number of times over the years when Blondie toured Australia. This book is a wonderful record of his life, and a reminder of the man he shall forever be remembered as. It was bittersweet reading his words now that he is no longer with us in the physical sense, but it’s nice to know we can see him anytime in old footage, or listen to his magnificent drumming with just a few clicks.
A book I highly recommend. 🥁
June 7, 2026
A thoroughly good read. Obviously a sad read, particularly the afterword by Kathy Valentine. There are many Blondie stories but there are so many other stories about the legions of people (famous or otherwise) that Clem worked with over the years. I got the impression that Clem knew that this would come out after his passing because there is some mild criticism of Chris and Debbie and how they ran the band but there’s love and respect too.
It did what I always want from an autobiography. Entertaining, it sounds like the author talking, it’s honest and end up liking the author and wish I’d met them.
It did what I always want from an autobiography. Entertaining, it sounds like the author talking, it’s honest and end up liking the author and wish I’d met them.
June 7, 2026
Really enjoyed this. Although, obviously it is tinged with sadness as you read. Clem’s force of nature is evident. His enthusiasm is clear. It feels more like reminiscing with a friend than other autobiographies. A self confessed Anglophile and Beatlenut only confirms that Clem Burke was a top guy. Long live Clem.
July 24, 2026
Wonderful memoir from a legend of rock and pop. Clem Burke comes across as a lovely person and talks with great warmth about many people he’s worked with in an interesting and varied career, as well as providing fascinating insights into the dynamics within Blondie. The ending and afterword written after his death are heartbreaking.
August 31, 2026
Excellent memoir from one of my heroes (and way better than Debbie Harry's selective and guarded book). I didn't think I could love him more, but I do now. His energy, kindness, integrity and passion shine through. He lived life to the full and never lost sight of what was important. One of the greats.
June 7, 2026
Very interesting read. Very matter-of-fact in style but engaging. Acknowledges that things that happen can happen to many people and each will have their own feelings and view on it. I enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews