Clive Burr, Original Iron Maiden Drummer, Dies at 56 after Long Battle with MS: Rockers, Fans Mourn Heavy Metal Pioneer's Death

Reports confirm that original Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, a rock 'n' roll pioneer who dominated the English heavy metal scene from the late 1970s - early 1980s, died in his sleep on Tuesday evening (March 12) after a longtime battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The "Number of the Beast" rocker just celebrated his 56th birthday on Friday (March 8). Former Maiden band mates announced the sad news on Facebook on Wednesday - since then, several of Burr's fans and fellow musicians have offered their heartfelt condolences on Twitter in honor of the late Iron Maiden legend.

Burr, originally a member of the rock band Samson, joined Iron Maiden as the band's drummer from 1979-1982. He played on the first three Maiden albums - "Iron Maiden," "Killers," and the breakthrough record "The Number of the Beast." He was forced to leave the band once his health began to deteriorate and was replaced by current drummer Nicko McBrain. Members of Iron Maiden continued to support Burr during his ongoing battle with MS, staging concerts to raise funds for the Clive Burr MS Trust Fund. Burr, who was diagnose with the crippling disease in 1994 and was eventually confined to a wheelchair, was left in severe debt due to all of the hefty medical bills stemming from MS treatments.

 The iconic British heavy metal band posted this Facebook message on Wednesday, following news of Burr's passing:

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.

Several other fans and members of the rock community also offered their condolences on Twitter:

@deesnider: "So sad...just found out my old friend Clive Burr from Iron Maiden pass away. So glad I spoke to him a couple of days ago. #alegendlost."

@ryannoble66: "Last night Heavy Metal lost a legend. Former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr passed away. A very sad loss #RIP."

@Dom_Lawson: "RIP Clive Burr. Gutted. An absolute legend."

@jbrizzle15: "RIP #CliveBurr you helped make Iron Maiden history . Good to see you're resting in peace now. Hallowed Be..."

@ChucktheDrummer: "Just read #CliveBurr passed away. A major influence, highly underrated, made an invaluable contribution to @IronMaiden. R.I.P."

RIP Clive Burr: