Iron Maiden Pay Tribute To Drummer Clive Burr Who Has Died Aged 56

It's a sad day for Iron Maiden fans; former drummer Clive Burr has died aged just 56 following a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis.

Steve Harris, the heavy metal band's founder and bass player, revealed the "terribly sad news" to fans earlier today in an announcement on Iron Maiden's official website.

"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."

Clive Burr and Iron Maiden in happier times (IronMaiden.com)

"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."

Bandmate Bruce Dickinson also paid his respects to the band's former drummer, echoing the sentiment that this is a "very sad day" for everyone:

“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. Even during the darkest days of his M.S., 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”

Clive Burr joined Iron Maiden in 1979 and was the drummer on their first three albums, Iron Maiden (1980), Killers (1981) and The Number Of The Beast (1982).

And, despite leaving Iron Maiden in December 1982, his former Maiden bandmates came to his aid when he was eventually diagnosed with MS.

The band tirelessly performed charity concerts and helped to form the Clive Burr MS Trust Fund, in a bid to raise money for those who, like Clive Burr, suffered from multiple sclerosis.

Our thoughts are with Clive Burr's family and friends.

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