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The Other Side of the Dream
- Author
- Clem Burke
- Narrator
- Ari Fliakos, Kathy Valentine
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Publish Date
- 7 May 2026
- Run Time
- 8 hours 45 minutes
- Format
- x-book®
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What to expect
For anyone who loves music this is a backstage pass to a life lived fully as one of rock's greatest heroes.
In The Other Side of the Dream, Clem Burke reflects on his extraordinary journey from the gritty streets of New York City to global superstardom. With candour and wit, he recounts the explosive punk scene that gave rise to Blondie, the creative partnerships that defined their music and the challenges of navigating fame in a constantly evolving industry.
Clem began writing his memoir more than 20 years ago, often setting it aside amid relentless touring and recording schedules. When cancer treatment and illness forced his retirement, completing the book became a priority, which he did shortly before he died.
This is Clem's story, in his own words.
'His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. 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.' – Debbie Harry and Chris Stein.
Critics Review
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'Clem Burke is my favorite drummer ever. I don’t mean that with any sub-categorizations of genres or eras. Ever in my whole life… His music makes me happy that music exists at all. The ultimate celebration of everything great. Clem embraces his role as a drummer and lets his drumming style speak for itself. A pure musician.' Fred Armisen
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'Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie.' Debbie Harry
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'A vivid portrait of rock’s unapologetically messy glory days in the 1970s and 1980s, with so much detail you wonder how he remembered it all (diaries? Post-Its? Tape recordings?), its only negative is that he won’t be here to read all the glowing reviews.' Telegraph
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'[Clem] reflects on his journey from the gritty streets of New York to global fame with candour and wit…' The I
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'This fabulous posthumous memoir zips along like one of Burke's signature drum patterns' Daily Express
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'The Other Side of the Dream tells a blue-chic pop story with stick-twirling elan' MOJO
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“A moving account of a life lived like a Keith Moon drum salvo with eloquence and wit." Classic Rock Magazine
User Reviews
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Details
- Author
- Clem Burke
- Narrator
- Ari Fliakos, Kathy Valentine
- Duration
- 8 hours 45 minutes
- Release Date
- 7 May 2026
- ISBN
- 9780008695545
- Format
- x-book®
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Genre
- Memoirs, Musicians, singers, bands and groups, Popular music, Autobiography: arts and entertainment, Autobiography: general
Synopsis
'Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie.' Debbie Harry For anyone who loves music this is a backstage pass to a life lived fully as one of rock's greatest heroes. In The Other Side of the Dream, Clem Burke reflects on his extraordinary journey from the gritty streets of New York City to global superstardom. With candour and wit, he recounts the explosive punk scene that gave rise to Blondie, the creative partnerships that defined their music and the challenges of navigating fame in a constantly evolving industry. Clem began writing his memoir more than 20 years ago, often setting it aside amid relentless touring and recording schedules. When cancer treatment and illness forced his retirement, completing the book became a priority, which he did shortly before he died. This is Clem's story, in his own words. 'His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. 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.' – Debbie Harry and Chris Stein.
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