Clive Burr dies

CLIVE BURR, former drummer for Iron Maiden, died today after a lengthy struggle with MS; he was 56. The East London native began his career with the metal band Samson before joining Iron Maiden; he left the latter group in 1982, just prior to its biggest mainstream success. He was diagnosed in 2001, and a fund was established by his ex-bandmates to help him cover his costs. "He was a wonderful person and an amazing drummer who made a valuable contribution to Maiden in the early days," reads a statement from bassist and founding member Steve Harris. Singer Bruce Dickinson added, "Even during the darkest days of his MS, Clive never lost his sense of humor or irreverence." (3/13p)