Clive Burr, Iron Maiden's drummer from 1979 to 1982, passed away at the age of 56 because of multiple sclerosis on Tuesday evening, March 12. Iron Maiden informed fans of Burr's passing on their website on Wednesday, March 13.

In the statement, Iron Maiden's founder and bassist 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."

Iron Maiden's lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson also shared a story of the drummer, describing Burr as a cheerful person who never lost his smiles. He 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 multiple sclerosis, 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."

Dee Snider of another rock band Twisted Sister expressed his sadness on his website, "After a long battle with MS, my dear friend Clive Burr passed away in his sleep last night." Snider continued, "We worked together on a project called Desperado from 1988-1990 and shared some great times, and sadly forgotten musical moments. I'm blessed to have spoken to him a couple of days ago on his birthday, shared some memories and a few smiles. A rock n roll legend has been lost, and the world of music is less because of it. RIP Clive and 'hit 'em hard' in rock n roll heaven."

Clive Burr joined Iron Maiden in 1979. He contributed to Iron Maiden's first three albums, "Iron Maiden", "Killers" and "The Number of the Beast". Burr later left the band in 1982. Although he left the group, he and the band's members stayed close. According to Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden performed several charity concerts to ease Burr's medical expense and living cost after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1994.