Today, 11 May 2026 Monday, I received my buddy, the late Clem Burke’s Memoir – “The Other Side Of The Dream: My Life In And Out Of Blondie”.
AND CAN I SAY I’M MIGHTY PROUD TO BE IN MY BUDDY’S MEMOIR!
Weighing in at 357 pages, Clem writes from his heart. Clem started noodling about twenty years ago, the writing picked up speed during the down-time of Covid. When Clem found out about the dreaded cancer, he made a focused dash to the final full-stop.
My First Clem Burke Encounter: I was at the Changi International Airport to pick Blondie up in their inaugural 2005 visit to Singapore for a concert, and Clem Burke chose my black SUV and (literally) jumped onto my passenger seat. Catching me by surprise at such a close distance, I asked if he was Chris Stein. He puts out his hand to shake and says “I’m Clem”. Thus begineth a life time of fun friendship.
Clem Burke’s 357 Paged Memoir – “The Other Side Of The Dream: My Life In And Out Of Blondie” (above image).
The Final Page Of The Memoir’s Glossy Photo Inserts – With His Life Comrades, Chris Stein and Debbie Harry (above image).
I’m deeply proud that Clem deemed my pondering image of him during the “Pollinator” recording session in New York City music studio, worthy enough to be featured among the most important music comrades of his sadly-short life – Blondie.
To me, Clem Burke has always been a thinking man’s Drummer! I’m lucky to have been presented that (blank and it’s gone) pondering moment and I’m glad Clem loved the image as well.
My image appears on the last page of the glossy photo insert segment.
This is my fifth inclusion in iconic rock stars’ autobiographies and memoirs. So far – Dame Olivia Newton-John, Chris Stein {Blondie}, Debbie Gibson and May Pang (John Lennon’s Lost Weekend fame).
Not too bad for a rock photographer based out in Singapore, away from the Epicentres of Rock and Roll – New York, London and Los Angeles.
As I’m typing this – Blondie’s “Call Me” coincidentally comes on the air. A sign from Clem?
I regard being included in icon’s memoirs is a sign and gesture of true friendship. After all, it’s an important document they want to leave in the world, their written legacy. They made sure I’m included in their life story. Thanks, Guys!
Congratulations, Dr. Clem Burke! You have written a revealing, brilliant and poignant Memoir!
Some of my favourite photo memories of Clem Burke are below. Enjoy!
Clem In His Zen (above image). New York City.
Clem Burke In His Apex (above image). New York City.
Life Comrades (above image). New York City.
