Former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr died at the age of 56 this week, after battling multiple scleroris for years.

Burr began his career playing drums for British metal band Samson, then joined Maiden in 1979. He proved pivotal in Maiden’s beginnings, leaving a notable mark on the band’s self-titled debut in 1980, 1981’s Killers and 1982’s The Number of the Beast. Burr then chose to leave Maiden in late ’82, amidst other lineup changes, just as the group was becoming an arena staple.

Following his departure from Iron Maiden, Burr played with other metal bands such as Elixir, Gogmagog, Trust, Stratus, Praying Mantis and Desperado, the latter alongside Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider. As time passed, however, Burr was diagnosed with MS, and his previous Maiden bandmates rallied to help his cause. This included charity concerts and the formation of the Clive Burr MS Trust Fund.

Former Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton expressed his appreciation for Burr, and his happiness in being able to connect with him and his partner Mimi in his last year.

I am so sad that I have lost an old mate…Now you can jam wiv Mooney [Keith Moon], [John] Bonham and all the other drummers up there. Our song. The greatest luv of all.