Somber news came today for Iron Maiden fans when it was announced that the band’s original drummer, Clive Burr, passed away last night (March 12^th) in his home.

According to IronMaiden.com, Burr had been suffering from many health issues for several years, including Multiple Sclerosis. The drummer joined the band’s lineup in 1979, and can be heard on their first three albums – Iron Maiden (1980), Killers (1981) and The Number of the Beast (1982).

Following the announcement, bassist Steve Harris posted the following statement on the band’s website:

“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."

Frontman Bruce Dickerson added, “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.”

Clive Burr is remembered by his longtime partner Mimi, his bandmates and his family; he was 56 years old.