Metal Gods saddened by loss of Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr

The drummer for the British power metal band Iron Maiden, has died after suffering for more than a decade from multiple sclerosis, British media reported Thursday. He was 56.

Burr joined the legendary hard rock band in 1979 and played with them on their first three albums: Iron Maiden (1980) Killers (1981) and The Number of the Beast (1982).

The metal community took to Twitter to pour their grief.

Alternative rock band Audioslave and Rage Against the Machines' Tom Morello

RIP Clive Burr, original Iron Maiden drummer, who rocked those first 3 records HARD.

— Tom Morello (@tmorello) March 14, 2013

Thrash metal band Slayer's Dave Lombardo

Playing Iron Maiden nice and loud for Clive Burr, RIP.

— Dave Lombardo (@TheDaveLombardo) March 13, 2013

Thrash metal band Megadeth bassist David Ellefson

I was so saddened to hear of Clive Burr passing away today. He was one of my all time favorite Metal drummers. I'm... fb.me/E7MYoyqQ

— David Ellefson (@ellefsondavid) March 13, 2013

Classic rock band Queen's lead guitarist Brian May's official Twitter handle also paid respects to Burr.

RIP former @ironmaiden drummer Clive Burr after long battle with MS. 56 way too young. Deepest sympathy. ultimateclassicrock.com/iron-maiden-cl…

— BrianMayCom (@brianmaycom) March 14, 2013