They say he’s the best drummer that rock has produced, but one thing is for sure, he’s one of the most iconic. Keith Moonfrom The Who and Ringo Starrfrom the Beatles. He is best known for his work with Blondie, for which he was recently nominated. He has played with countless legends such as the Grammy. Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, Eurythmics or Ramones. He presented the documentary yesterday in Palma. In my opinionAt the Teatre Mar i Terra, Contrast Majorca festival who is driving David Riu.
Let’s make it clear from the beginning: drummers are also musicians, composers.
Yes, of course, well said. That’s the idea of ​​the documentary. In my opinion, show the drummer’s work in a group. The drummer is, or should be, the pillar of any band.
It is also the “rhythm of the music”.
Yes, the drum is the heart, even the soul, of music, as Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones or Elvin Jones, who played for Miles Davis and many others, thought.
If you have never felt your job as a hobby or as a job, what does being a drummer mean to you?
It’s a lifestyle.
He tried for the Ramones in 1987 and became Elvis Ramone. Did they rehearse a lot?
we did not test [se dice que a juicio de Johnny Ramone los dos conciertos que dieron con Clem a la baterÃa fueron «un desastre»]. Richie Ramone left the band that year and Johnny wanted to get back in the game as soon as possible. There was no rehearsal with me, something that happened to Marky when he replaced Tommy Ramone.
He played with Eurythmics in Blondie’s spare time. What did you learn from that stage in the early 80s?
When I enter Eurythmics [en 1982, en la gira del Sweet Dreams, disco que se llevarÃa un Grammy y que llegó al número 1 en Reino Unido], the band was already formed, a musical foundation was formed, and I had more musical ideas than when I started with Blondie. Everything started from scratch with Blondie, we didn’t know anything and we grew as we played.
What do two women like Annie Lennox and Debbie Harry have in common?
They both have a great charisma that they radiate everywhere. They are also powerful and creative. And they are also beautiful.
His drumsticks were also used by Nancy Sinatra and Wanda Jackson. How do you always manage to be surrounded by amazing women?
You forget Linda Gail Lewis, sister of Jerry Lee Lewis, with whom I recently recorded, or Ann-Margret Olsson, best known for her role as an actress on Viva Las Vegas. I also recently toured with The Go-Go’s, a group of four, not one. Playing with four women makes me the most handsome man in the group.
Can a band succeed with a bad drummer?
It’s very difficult to be a good band and have a bad drummer. If the drummer is bad, you better get a drum machine.
Have you always dreamed of being a rock star?
I’ve always dreamed of being a musician and being successful, and for that I had to work hard. I’m famous for music, not a show business rock star.
He lived in the wonderful 70s and survived the perilous end of that decade. How did you manage not to fall into the drug trap?
Addiction is a disease and luckily I did not fall into addiction. It was always clear to me that if I wanted to be fit, clean, and successful in music, I didn’t have to play that drug game.
In the documentary, he can even be seen running in sweatpants. Are you taking good care of yourself?
Yes, this is my hobby, exercising. There are similarities between playing the drums, giving a concert for two hours and playing sports.
Why should a young man play the drums?
Because it frees the mind and takes your stress away.
Colleagues confirm that Clem Burke plays precise, expressive and voluminous. Do you know someone who plays faster and better than you?
Many, for example Dave Grohl [Nirvana, Foo Fighters].
If you can’t distinguish Clem Burke on stage, look for the most elegant.
Teaching on stage is very important to me. I’m a big Ringo Starr fan. But taking lessons, being a drummer is not easy because when the concert starts, you start to sweat and your clothes come off.
In the movie, which was shown on Thursday at Mar i Terra, he discovered one of the secrets of his appearance: He stuck his head in the oven to bake lacquer. Remember that only you can do this.
Well, I couldn’t put my head in the stove, the heat it gave was enough for me (laughs). Rod Stewart does the same.
How does it feel to be nominated for a Grammy as a member of Blondie you learned a few days ago?
I am proud of this nomination in the Best Historical Album category because it means recognition for an entire career. It’s not about a sale, it’s about an inheritance.
Why are Blondie’s songs so good?
Influenced by New York and the bands we listen to as teenagers. This mix formed the Blondie sound.
The concert scheduled for today with The Split Squad was postponed due to the singer’s illness. What do you intend to do for Palma?
I will visit the cathedral, wander around the old part of the city and choose an Italian restaurant that I like.
Source: Informacion
Brandon Hall is an author at “Social Bites”. He is a cultural aficionado who writes about the latest news and developments in the world of art, literature, music, and more. With a passion for the arts and a deep understanding of cultural trends, Brandon provides engaging and thought-provoking articles that keep his readers informed and up-to-date on the latest happenings in the cultural world.