Clive Burr, the 56-year-old drummer for iconic rock band Iron Maiden from 1979-1982, passed away in his sleep last night (March 12) after a battle with multiple sclerosis.

The percussionist worked on some of the group's early records, including 1981's 'Killers' and 1982's 'The Number of the Beast', and left Iron Maiden before they broke into the mainstream. The band paid tribute to Burr today with a post on their official website.

Member Steve Harris wrote: 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."

Frontman Bruce Dickinson added: "I first met Clive when he was leaving Samson and joining Iron Maiden," added Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson on the band's site. 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 and all our thoughts are with Mimi and the family."

Watch an interview with Burr, Dickinson and Harris from '82 here: