The history of rock n’ roll is littered with broken hearts and betrayals. Less common are those who leave their music community better off than they found it. Clem Burke, who died last year after a cancer battle, was one of those rare birds: An indefatigable and soulful drummer who quietly, effortlessly, made it his mission to elevate and support his fellow musicians. And he didn’t do it to score points – he just did it.
Clem’s friends and comrades-in-arms put together a tribute to him this past week at Jesse Malin’s Bowery Palace, a two-night affair filled to the brim with great songs and stories of Clem’s humble largesse. (The below is only applicable to Wednesday night, as Thursday sold out in five minutes flat.) Malin and Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go’s got out the old Rolodex and rounded up a who’s who of Clem’s tour mates and admirers to give him a proper Bowery send-off, from his Blondie bandmate Glen Matlock to Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate), Gail Greenwood (Belly, L7, Gang of Four) and Tommy Stinson (Replacements).
Upstairs at the Palace, there were Clem-themed drink specials like the X-Offender (vodka, St. Germain, lemon juice, simple syrup and soda) and Empty Heart (a prosecco-and-strawberry vodka affair). The small downstairs space was crammed with well-wishers, fans, and musicians with their own fond memories of Clem.
