Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, who played with the band from 1979 to 1982, passed away last night (March 12) following a long bout with multiple sclerosis and related health problems. According to the band's website, Burr died peacefully at his home. He was 56 years old.
In a statement from the act, vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who had previously cited the drummer as "the best drummer the band ever had," left kind words for his fallen bandmate.
"I first met Clive when he was leaving Samson and joining Iron Maiden. He was a great guy and a man who really lived his life to the full," Dickinson said. "Even during the darkest days of his MS, Clive never lost his sense of humour or irreverence. This is a terribly sad day and all our thoughts are with Mimi and the family."
Added bassist Steve Harris: "This is terribly sad news. Clive was a very old friend of all of us. He was a wonderful person and an amazing drummer who made a valuable contribution to Maiden in the early days when we were starting out. This is a sad day for everyone in the band and those around him and our thoughts and condolences are with his partner Mimi and family at this time."
Burr joined Iron Maiden in 1979 and played on their first three albums: 1980's Iron Maiden, 1981's Killers and their 1982 breakthrough Number of the Beast, on which he co-wrote album track "Gangland" and B-side "Total Eclipse." His playing was also captured on tape for their live EP Maiden Japan.
Following his departure in 1982, Burr played with Trust, reunited with former Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno in Gogmagog and formed Clive Burr's Escape.
In a statement from the act, vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who had previously cited the drummer as "the best drummer the band ever had," left kind words for his fallen bandmate.
"I first met Clive when he was leaving Samson and joining Iron Maiden. He was a great guy and a man who really lived his life to the full," Dickinson said. "Even during the darkest days of his MS, Clive never lost his sense of humour or irreverence. This is a terribly sad day and all our thoughts are with Mimi and the family."
Added bassist Steve Harris: "This is terribly sad news. Clive was a very old friend of all of us. He was a wonderful person and an amazing drummer who made a valuable contribution to Maiden in the early days when we were starting out. This is a sad day for everyone in the band and those around him and our thoughts and condolences are with his partner Mimi and family at this time."
Burr joined Iron Maiden in 1979 and played on their first three albums: 1980's Iron Maiden, 1981's Killers and their 1982 breakthrough Number of the Beast, on which he co-wrote album track "Gangland" and B-side "Total Eclipse." His playing was also captured on tape for their live EP Maiden Japan.
Following his departure in 1982, Burr played with Trust, reunited with former Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno in Gogmagog and formed Clive Burr's Escape.