Clive Burr Dies At 56, Iron Maiden Bandmates Share Their Memories

Clive Burr, former drummer for British rock band Iron Maiden, died in his sleep on Tuesday.

Clive Burr's Iron Maiden bandmates paid tribute to their former drummer after he lost his battle with multiple sclerosis yesterday.

The percussionist died in his sleep at the age of 56 after a long, difficult struggle with the debilitating illness.

Clive Burr died "peacefully in his sleep at home" in London according to a statement made by Iron Maiden on Tuesday.

Burr joined Iron Maiden in 1979 and played percussion on their first three albums, including their highly successful record The Number of the Beast.

He left the band in 1982 for personal reasons. He had said the stress of heavy touring schedules was too taxing, but continued he managed to continue his rock career with several other bands.

After hearing news of Burr's death, Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson said, "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 humor or irreverence. This is a terribly sad day and all our thoughts are with (Burr's wife) Mimi and the family."

Bassist Steve Harris added, "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."

Rolling Stone magazine once called Burr's drumming a "major ingredient" to the Iron Maiden's sound and he was credited with bringing the speed of punk rock to the heavy metal genre.

Clive Burr also played alongside former Twisted Sister star Dee Snider in Desperado.