The band announced on Wednesday that Clive had died "peacefully in his sleep at home" and Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson and band founder Steve Harris both paid tribute to their former bandmate.

Steve Harris had this to say, "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 wrote, "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"

Clive joined the band in 1979 and performed on the albums Iron Maiden (1980), Killers (1981) and The Number Of The Beast (1982).

Members of the hard rock and metal community have also paid tribute to Clive and his legacy. Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo had this to say, "Sadness overcame my morning when I heard this news. His style was inspiring and the albums he recorded with Iron Maiden are touchstones of my music education. He played with a particular energy which bought edge and excitement to the Iron Maiden classics.

"I never got to meet him, but I wish did. The best thing for me to do right now is listen to some classic Iron Maiden. Up The Irons!"

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson had this tribute, "I was so saddened to hear of Clive Burr passing away today. He was one of my all time favorite Metal drummers. I'm thankful for his music and contributions. My condolences�."

Paul Bostaph (Testament, Slayer and Exodus) also paid tribute. He wrote, "I'm truly saddened to hear of Clive Bur's passing. His drumming has had and still has a strong influence on my playing style. I bummed I never go to meet him and thank him in person for his musical gifts. God speed Clive!"

Machine Head's Dave McClain also wrote about Clive's legacy and his personal influence on him. McClain wrote, "Very sad news. One of my favorite drummers and a huge influence on me as a young drummer. To me, he brought punk rock drumming into heavy metal. I can remember walking into the Hemisphere Arena in San Antonio to see Iron Maiden and seeing Clive's white kit on stage. I about crapped my pants!

"I just stood there in awe looking at the actual kit that I had been staring at on the back of the 'Killers' album cover for the whole summer. I was a HAPPY kid!