Iron Maiden's first drummer, Clive Burr, has passed away in his sleep at the age of 56.
The iconic British heavy metal band were in mourning on Wednesday as they announced the news to fans via their Facebook page.
Burr, who was part of the line-up from 1979-1982, passed away during his sleep at his home on Tuesday after suffering with Multiple Sclerosis.
Scroll down for video
Rock icon: Clive Burr, who was the original drummer for Iron Maiden, has passed away in his sleep at the age of 56
The drummer had battled the disease for years, and was left severely in debt thanks to his medical bills.
His former band had rallied around him during his illness, staging concerts to raise funds for the Clive Burr MS Trust Fund.
'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,' wrote the band.
Original line-up: Burr was the band's first drummer until he left in 1982 due to his deteriorating health
Original line-up: Burr was the band's first drummer until he left in 1982 due to his deteriorating health
Broadening their horizons: On Tuesday Iron Maiden announced the launch of their own brand of beer, Trooper, brewed in Stockport
Broadening their horizons: On Tuesday Iron Maiden announced the launch of their own brand of beer, Trooper, brewed in Stockport
'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,' the statement continued.
Iconic band: Iron Maiden are still one of the world's best-known heavy metal outfits
Iconic band: Iron Maiden are still one of the world's best-known heavy metal outfits
Burr had been a member of rock band Samson before joining Iron Maiden in 1979, thanks to his friendship with the band's guitarist Dennis Stratton.
He played on their first three records; Iron Maiden, Killers and The Number of the Beast, but decided to leave when his health deteriorated, replaced by current drummer Nicko McBrain.
Singer Bruce Dickinson said: "He was a great guy and a man who really lived his life to the full.
'Even during the darkest days of his MS, Clive never lost his sense of humour or irreverence. This is a terribly sad day.'
The day before, the metal band had launched their own brand of beer, announced via a press release on their website.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2292784/Original-Iron-Maiden-drummer-Clive-Burr-dies-aged-56-lifelong-battle-MS.html#ixzz2NX7JZUo6
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
The iconic British heavy metal band were in mourning on Wednesday as they announced the news to fans via their Facebook page.
Burr, who was part of the line-up from 1979-1982, passed away during his sleep at his home on Tuesday after suffering with Multiple Sclerosis.
Scroll down for video
Rock icon: Clive Burr, who was the original drummer for Iron Maiden, has passed away in his sleep at the age of 56
The drummer had battled the disease for years, and was left severely in debt thanks to his medical bills.
His former band had rallied around him during his illness, staging concerts to raise funds for the Clive Burr MS Trust Fund.
'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,' wrote the band.
Original line-up: Burr was the band's first drummer until he left in 1982 due to his deteriorating health
Original line-up: Burr was the band's first drummer until he left in 1982 due to his deteriorating health
Broadening their horizons: On Tuesday Iron Maiden announced the launch of their own brand of beer, Trooper, brewed in Stockport
Broadening their horizons: On Tuesday Iron Maiden announced the launch of their own brand of beer, Trooper, brewed in Stockport
'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,' the statement continued.
Iconic band: Iron Maiden are still one of the world's best-known heavy metal outfits
Iconic band: Iron Maiden are still one of the world's best-known heavy metal outfits
Burr had been a member of rock band Samson before joining Iron Maiden in 1979, thanks to his friendship with the band's guitarist Dennis Stratton.
He played on their first three records; Iron Maiden, Killers and The Number of the Beast, but decided to leave when his health deteriorated, replaced by current drummer Nicko McBrain.
Singer Bruce Dickinson said: "He was a great guy and a man who really lived his life to the full.
'Even during the darkest days of his MS, Clive never lost his sense of humour or irreverence. This is a terribly sad day.'
The day before, the metal band had launched their own brand of beer, announced via a press release on their website.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2292784/Original-Iron-Maiden-drummer-Clive-Burr-dies-aged-56-lifelong-battle-MS.html#ixzz2NX7JZUo6
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook