Ex-Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr died in his sleep last night, he was 56 years old. Burr has been battling Multiple Sclerosis for many years.
Clive Burr left the band Samson to join Iron Maiden in 1979. He was featured on some of Maiden's most classic releases, the first album, Iron Maiden, then Killers and the Number of the Beast. Although he left the band in 1982 on bad terms he eventually rekindled friendships with his former bandmates. When Burr was diagnosed with MS, Iron Maiden put on several charity concerts and helped set up the Clive Burr MS Trust Fund.
Comments:
Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris, "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."
Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson, "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."
Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante:
"Clive Burr...One of my favorite drummers of all time.
"A quick story. It was 1981. I was hanging with friends in the back of the Palladium in New York City.
Judas Priest and Iron Maiden were playing. Two taxis pull up and Maiden get out, Steve
[Harris, Iron Maiden bassist] and Clive hang and talk for a bit. Clive at the time was an
up-and-coming drummer that I thought played with a style all his own. The drumming on
'Killers' inspired me to kick it up a notch and I did. I spoke with him and asked him for
a pair of sticks. When he was done signing things, he went into the venue and 10 minutes later
came out with a pair of sticks for me. I still have those sticks.
"He was awesome. I was bummed when Maiden let him go.
"RIP, Clive, You have influenced so many, and to this day nobody plays like you."
