Clive Burr, the former drummer of Iron Maiden, has died. He was just 56 and had been engaged in a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Metal Hammer reports that the former Maiden sticksman, who manned the kit from 1979 to 1982, passed away peacefully in his sleep while at home last night, March 12.

His former partner in the Maiden rhythm section, bassist Steve Harris, commented on Burr's passing, saying, "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."

Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson also offered his thoughts on Burr's death, and shed light on what type of person the drummer was, saying, "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 Mimi and the family."

Burr required a wheelchair to get around later in life. His condition caused him to accrue some large debts, and his former band performed a series of charity shows over the years to help raise money for his mounting medical bills.

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