Clive Burr Dies

So Clive Burr, the drummer who graced Iron Maiden’s first three records, died yesterday. He’d been in a wheel chair for some time because of MS. I’m sure you’re all aware that he was sick and that the band had been helping him out. Maiden apparently released some statements about it that I’m just going to post verbatim here below. But I just want to take a minute to say that without the drums of Clive Burr Iron Maiden would never have been the same band. Whatever is said about the comparison between Nicko and Clive, it should be noted that Clive’s feel was damned good and really special. Need I link “Run to the Hills”? Of course not. But I will anyway ’cause it’s a great song. Those first three records are better because of him.

It should be noted, too, that Clive wasn’t only in Iron Maiden. He was also in Gogmagog, Samson, and Trust early on in the NWoBHM days. In the ’90s he played in Elixer and Desperado. We here at Angry Metal Guy (seriously, I assume, all of us — But I speak especially for Steel Druhm and myself when I say this) are deeply saddened to hear that he died at the young age of 55. We’ve got a review coming later, but I know that I’ll be spending the rest of the night listening to Iron Maiden, Killers and The Number of the Beast.

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.

Maiden w Clive

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