Clem Burke, the longtime drummer for legendary rock band Blondie, has died. He was 70 years old.

Blondie announced Burke’s passing on the band’s Instagram story Monday.

“It is with profound sadness that we relay news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Clem Burke following a private battle with cancer,” the band wrote.

“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,” Blondie continued. “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.”

Burke was born Clement Anthony Bozewski on Nov. 24, 1954, in Bayonne, New Jersey. Burke’s music career began after he met guitarist Steve Jones at various rock gigs in London, England, in the mid-1970s, his IMDb biography states.

Burke joined Blondie in 1975 and performed on all of the band’s albums, including the band’s 1976 self-titled debut and landmark albums “Parallel Lines” (1978) and “Eat to the Beat” (1979). Burke stayed with Blondie until the group disbanded in 1982.

Burke would later become the drummer for the Eurythmics throughout the ‘80s and played two concerts with the Ramones in 1987.

Among the many artists Burke worked with are Pete Townsend, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, the Romantics, Wanda Jackson, Johnny Thunders, the Plimsouls and Dramarama.

Burke was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with the rest of Blondie in 2006. He most recently played drums for several bands, including Slinky Vagabond, Magic Christian and the Hugh Cornwell Band.

Outside of music, Burke co-founded the Clem Burke Drumming Project in 2008. The research initiative explores the physical, mental and health benefits of drumming. In 2011, Burke was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University Of Gloucestershire for his work, Stereogum reported.