Clive Burr, Former Drummer for Iron Maiden, Passes Away

Clive Burr, the former drummer for Iron Maiden for played on the band’s first three albums, has passed away. He just turned 56 on March 8.

A statement on Iron Maiden’s official website reads:

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”

As Maiden fans all know, Clive joined Maiden in 1979 and performed on the first three albums Iron Maiden (1980), Killers (1981) and The Number Of The Beast (1982). Prior to that he was a member of Samson, the band Bruce fronted before he too joined Maiden.

Maiden had remained on good terms with Burr even after he left the band, as evidenced by the above concert photo. The groups started the Clive Burr MS Trust in 2002, when the drummer was on the verge of losing his home; the Trust allowed him to seek expert treatment in Belgium, and also provided him with a bed and computer which were designed to meet his special needs.

There’s nothing good you can say at a time like this, especially when the man who has passed was so young. Our thoughts are with Clive’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Let’s celebrate Clive Burr’s life with classic drum solo, which was recorded at Reading in 1982:

Thanks to everyone who e-mailed us about this.