Rock drummers 'are top athletes' Playing the drums for a rock band requires the stamina of a Premiership footballer, research suggests.
Tests on Clem Burke, the veteran Blondie drummer, revealed that 90 minutes of drumming could raise his heart rate to 190 beats a minute. Despite rock's reputation for unhealthy living, Dr Marcus Smith, from Chichester University, said drummers needed "extraordinary stamina". A hour in concert could burn between 400 and 600 calories, he said. Clem Burke, who provided the beat for hits such as "Heart of Glass", "Atomic" and "Call Me" was invited to take part in the eight-year project by Blondie fan Dr Smith. Historic China concert for Japanese pop band SMAP. Financial broker tries his luck at country music. New note at 'longest concert' BBC - Today.