Where Are They Now: Blondie

By Jim Fusilli

Ran into Clem Burke, best known as Blondie’s drummer. He’s involved in a number of projects, one of which is designed to explore the health benefits of drumming with an aim of helping obese youth. (See www.clemburkedrummingproject.com for more information.)

Mr. Burke, who looks fantastic, by the way, is in Austin to play with Magic Christian, which includes Cyril Jordan of The Flamin’ Groovies and Eddie Muñoz of The Plimsouls. They’re playing tomorrow night at Red Eyed Fly in a showcase presented by Little Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band.

Blondie, Mr. Burke told me, is still going strong. Their hits give them cachet with the casino industry. “It’s a nice niche for us,” he said. Not long ago, the band did back-to-back shows at casinos in West Virginia and Tel Aviv. “We’re international,” he added with a smile. He expects Blondie will release a new album by mid-2010.