It has been confirmed this morning that Clive Burr, former drummer of Iron Maiden, has passed away. According to a statement issued by Iron Maiden, the drummer passed away last night in his home after years of suffering with multiple sclerosis. Burr was 56 years old.
Bassist Steve Harris had the following to say about the passing of his former bandmate:
“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.”
Singer Bruce Dickinson added the following about Burr, who he was also a member with in Samson:
“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.”
After joining Iron Maiden in 1979, Burr appeared on the group’s first three albums (including the breakthrough record The Number Of The Beast). Burr left the group in 1982 due to personal problems and Maiden’s extensive touring schedule, and performed in numerous outfits over the years. In 2002, shortly after he was diagnosed with MS, Iron Maiden established the Clive Burr MS Trust Fund to benefit the drummer. Our condolences go out to Burr’s family and friends.
