Clive Burr, the drummer of Iron Maiden from 1979 to 1982 who played on their first three albums, has died aged 56.
He died at home, having suffered from multiple sclerosis and long-term health problems.
Burr, previously a member of Samson, joined Iron Maiden to record their first three albums Iron Maiden, Killers and The Number Of The Beast and co-write two songs, ‘Gangland’ and ‘Total Eclipse’. After leaving the band, he went on to play in numerous different groups including Trust, Gogmagog and Clive Burr’s Escape.
In a statement on Iron Maiden’s website, frontman Bruce Dickinson, who once called Burr "the best drummer the band ever had", 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 MS, 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.”