Phil Denton, guitarist of ELIXIR and MIDNIGHT MESSIAH, has released the following statement regarding the passing of former IRON MAIDEN drummer Clive Burr, who died last night in his sleep at his home at the age of 56 after suffering from multiple sclerosis for many years:

"We were saddened to hear that Clive Burr passed away last night and our thoughts go out to his partner and family.

"Clive worked with us in ELIXIR for several months, recording the 'Sovereign Remedy' album and making one live appearance before having to depart to fulfil his commitments to Dee Snider's DESPERADO band. We have fond memories of that time, from Clive's sense of humour and playing a five-a-side football match with him in our team, to working through the songs with him and just seeing him behind us pounding away at his white kit. The only consolation is that, after all these years of battling MS, Clive is finally at peace.

"Rest in peace, our brother in metal."

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 Dickinson fronted before he, too, joined MAIDEN.

Pictured below: Clive Burr with ELIXIR