British heavy metal legends Iron Maiden have released the following statement:

"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."

Iron Maiden 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. 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."

Added 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."

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.

Iron Maiden established the Clive Burr Ms Trust Fund in 2002 to benefit Clive Burr.

Pictured below: Clive Burr in 2008