Debbie Harry recently made her first public appearance since the passing of Blondie’s longtime drummer, Clem Burke. The 78-year-old frontwoman turned heads on April 8, 2025, at the New York City Ballet’s red-carpet event in Manhattan. The appearance came just days after the band announced the heartbreaking news of Clem’s death following a private battle with cancer.
Debbie wore a black jacket embroidered with gold and a black mini-skirt that reminded fans of her punk-glam style. She finished the look with tights, boots, gold accessories, and her signature platinum waves. Even with the tragic situation, the singer appeared radiant.
Debbie Harry now during red carpet appearance
NYC Ballet Spring gala 08/05/25 🖤 she is just insane ❤️🔥📸 Theo Wargo & Kristina Bumphrey #FridayVibes pic.twitter.com/clC2CsxHnN
— ✨💫Dreaming is free 💫✨ (@picturethis74) May 9, 2025
As Debbie approaches her 80th birthday on July 1, she has recently opened up about the less-spoken side of aging. She noted that marking a milestone birthday did not mean she thought about her age often. She also shared that her mother used to feel 25 in her head, and now she understands exactly what that means.
Yet even as Debbie jokes about whether she should still be partying every night, she is not afraid to admit the truth that comes with age. “One of the bad things about aging is everyone’s gone already,” she said. But that loss has recently felt even more personal following the death of her beloved Blondie bandmate, drummer Clem Burke, who passed away at 70.
Remembering Clem Burke
Blondie shared a heartfelt tribute to Clem Burke on April 5th. The band described him as a drummer and as “the heartbeat of Blondie.” They noted that his energy and passion shaped their spirit and sound as a band. For them, Clem was irreplaceable. Music legends and fans alike shared their condolences.
Clem Burke’s journey began at 14 when he picked up a pair of drumsticks and never looked back. Though his early days in a school orchestra ended abruptly due to playing “too loud,” he quickly found his calling in the punk scene of New York City. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honored Clem as a “versatile and distinctive drummer” who brightened every performance with powerful energy.