Original Iron Maiden Drummer Dies

 

 

Some real bummer news for the metal community today. Last night, original Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr passed away after dealing with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 56.

If you recall, he was with the band from 1979-1982 and played on the first 3 iconic albums. 1980′s “Iron Maiden”, 1981′s “Killers” and 1982′s “Number Of The Beast”.  After his stint in Maiden he went on to play with other rock acts such as Trust, Alcatrazz, Gogmagog, and Clive Burr’s Escape. He also played with Twisted Sister vocalist Dee Snider in a band called Desperado.

After Clive was diagnosed with MS, the rest of the group set up The Clive Burr Trust, a fund to help pay for his living expenses, travel expenses and treatments. A post from the Iron Maiden website was released this morning:

“We are deeply saddened to report that Clive Burr passed away last night. He had suffered poor health for many years after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and died peacefully in his sleep at home.

Steve Harris said “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.”

Bruce Dickinson adds “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”

Funeral arrangements for him have yet to be announced. Rest in peace, man.