Clive Burr
Encyclopedia
Clive Burr is a British
drummer
, best known as a member of Iron Maiden
from 1979 to 1982.
, Burr joined Iron Maiden in 1979. An acquaintance of then-Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton
, Burr played on their first three records: Iron Maiden
, Killers
and their breakthrough release The Number of the Beast
. Burr left the band in 1982 due to Iron Maiden's tour schedule and personal problems. He was replaced by the band's current drummer, Nicko McBrain
. Burr co-wrote one song on The Number of the Beast, "Gangland", and another song, "Total Eclipse", that was cut from the album and showed up as the b-side of the "Run to the Hills
" single, and later on the Number Of The Beast remastered CD re-release.
Clive Burr appears on The Number of the Beast video.
After leaving Iron Maiden
, Burr briefly played in the French group Trust
, thus switching places with McBrain, and briefly with the American
band Alcatrazz
. Burr was featured in the short-lived NWOBHM supergroup Gogmagog
which also included ex-Iron Maiden
vocalist Paul Di'Anno
and future Maiden guitarist Janick Gers
. He also had a band known as Clive Burr's Escape (later known as Stratus), featuring former Praying Mantis
members, which disbanded after releasing one album. Burr then joined Dee Snider
in his post-Twisted Sister
outfit Desperado
, which was never fully realized due to a falling out with the band's record company. Burr performed with British bands Elixir
and Praying Mantis
in the 1990s, but did not become a member of either.
Burr's signature white drum kit was donated to the Hard Rock Cafe
in London in 2005.
Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson still considers Clive Burr to be '...the best drummer the band ever had. That's not taking anything away from [present drummer] Nicko. Technically, Nicko's probably a far more competent drummer than Clive. It's just that Clive had this incredible feel, and you can't learn that, and I regret that he wasn't given more time to try and sort himself out.'
Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith also praises Burr's drumming ability. 'Clive was a great drummer, an Ian Paice
-type drummer, steady and solid with a nice feel to everything.' 'Clive is a great drummer and a great guy, as far as I'm concerned.'
, the treatment of which left him deeply in debt. Iron Maiden
staged a series of charity concerts and were involved in the founding of the Clive Burr MS Trust Fund. Burr now uses a wheelchair because of the MS.
Burr is now patron of the charity Clive Aid, a charity formed in 2004. Clive Aid has since continued to raise awareness and funds for various Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) programs around the world through the staging of rock events. Clive attends many of these events. Official Site of Clive Aid
the Road Tour"; depth=diameter "square" tom sizes:
Drums by Tama
Drumheads
Cymbals - All cymbals by Paiste
Sticks
Ludwig kits:
Burr had 2 Ludwig Maple drum sets; the earlier in an off-white colour, the later in white cortex. His 2nd kit used the same sizes as his Tama, minus the gong drum and octobans. His 1st Ludwig kit, which he usually played without bottom heads, had the same sizes as his second, but without the 8" tom, and a 14" added after the 13".
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
, best known as a member of Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
from 1979 to 1982.
Career
Previously a member of SamsonSamson (band)
Samson was a British hard rock band formed in 1977 by guitarist and vocalist Paul Samson. They are best known for their first three albums with future Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson, then known as "Bruce Bruce", and drummer Thunderstick , who wore a leather mask and performed on stage in a...
, Burr joined Iron Maiden in 1979. An acquaintance of then-Iron Maiden guitarist Dennis Stratton
Dennis Stratton
Dennis Stratton is a guitar player who is best known as a former member of the British band Iron Maiden from October 1979 to October 1980.-Biography:...
, Burr played on their first three records: Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden (album)
*On the 1998 remastered release, the fade out of "Transylvania" and the intro to "Strange World" were moved to the end of "Transylvania".-Personnel:*Paul Di'Anno – vocals*Dave Murray – guitar*Dennis Stratton – guitar, backing vocals...
, Killers
Killers (Iron Maiden album)
Killers is the second album by British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on 2 February 1981 in the UK, and 6 June 1981 in the US. The album was their first with guitarist Adrian Smith and their last with vocalist Paul Di'Anno, who was sacked after problems with his stage performance arose due...
and their breakthrough release The Number of the Beast
The Number of the Beast (album)
The Number of the Beast is the third studio album by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on 29 March 1982 through EMI and on its sister label Capitol the US. The 1998 re-issue was released by EMI and Sanctuary/Columbia in the US...
. Burr left the band in 1982 due to Iron Maiden's tour schedule and personal problems. He was replaced by the band's current drummer, Nicko McBrain
Nicko McBrain
Michael Henry "Nicko" McBrain is an English musician, best known as the drummer for Iron Maiden, which he joined in 1982, prior to which he had played for Streetwalkers, Pat Travers, and the French political band, Trust.-Biography:...
. Burr co-wrote one song on The Number of the Beast, "Gangland", and another song, "Total Eclipse", that was cut from the album and showed up as the b-side of the "Run to the Hills
Run to the Hills
"Run to the Hills" was Iron Maiden's sixth single and the first single from their 1982 album The Number of the Beast. The lyrics clearly discuss the violence visited upon Native Americans in the Nineteenth Century. Several lines appear to address the Sioux Wars, a conflict between the Lakota...
" single, and later on the Number Of The Beast remastered CD re-release.
Clive Burr appears on The Number of the Beast video.
After leaving Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
, Burr briefly played in the French group Trust
Trust (band)
Trust is a French rock band closely associated with both AC/DC and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.-History:Trust was founded in 1977 by:* Bernard "Bernie" Bonvoisin * Norbert "Nono" Krief...
, thus switching places with McBrain, and briefly with the American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
band Alcatrazz
Alcatrazz
Alcatrazz is an American heavy metal band formed in 1983 by Graham Bonnet, Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea.-History:The band's initial line-up consisted of former Rainbow frontman Graham Bonnet, young Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen who had recently left American band Steeler, Gary Shea and Jimmy...
. Burr was featured in the short-lived NWOBHM supergroup Gogmagog
Gogmagog (band)
Gogmagog were a British supergroup put together by British record producer Jonathan King that featured former Iron Maiden members Paul Di'Anno and Clive Burr, former White Spirit and Gillan guitarist Janick Gers , original Def Leppard guitarist Pete Willis, and bassist Neil Murray, who has played...
which also included ex-Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
vocalist Paul Di'Anno
Paul Di'Anno
Paul Andrews , better known as Paul Di'Anno, is an English singer best known as the first vocalist to record with the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, from 1978 to 1981....
and future Maiden guitarist Janick Gers
Janick Gers
Janick Robert Gers is an English musician, best known for being one of the three current guitarists in Iron Maiden, along with Dave Murray and Adrian Smith, as well as his earlier work with Gillan and White Spirit.-Career and Personal Life:...
. He also had a band known as Clive Burr's Escape (later known as Stratus), featuring former Praying Mantis
Praying Mantis (band)
Praying Mantis are an English rock band. Although a part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, they pursued a musical direction more melodic and AOR-sounding than their contemporaries.-Career:...
members, which disbanded after releasing one album. Burr then joined Dee Snider
Dee Snider
Daniel "Dee" Snider is an American singer-songwriter, screenwriter, radio personality, and actor. Snider is most famous for his role as the frontman of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister...
in his post-Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister is an American heavy metal band from Long Island. Musically, the band implements elements of traditional heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, along with a style that is similar to early glam metal bands...
outfit Desperado
Desperado (band)
Desperado is a heavy metal band formed by Dee Snider in 1988, after Twisted Sister was disbanded. Besides Dee Snider Desparado Limited Edition was released on April 21, 2009, featuring eleven tracks from 'Bloodied But Unbowed'.-Past members:...
, which was never fully realized due to a falling out with the band's record company. Burr performed with British bands Elixir
Elixir (metal band)
Elixir is a British heavy metal band, formed by Steve Bentley, Kevin Dobbs, Nigel Dobbs and Phil Denton in November 1983. They are notable for being associated with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.-1983-1990:...
and Praying Mantis
Praying Mantis (band)
Praying Mantis are an English rock band. Although a part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene, they pursued a musical direction more melodic and AOR-sounding than their contemporaries.-Career:...
in the 1990s, but did not become a member of either.
Burr's signature white drum kit was donated to the Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe is a chain of theme restaurants founded in 1971 by Americans Peter Morton & Isaac Tigrett. In 1979, the cafe began covering its walls with rock and roll memorabilia, a tradition which expanded to others in the chain. In 2006, Hard Rock was sold to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and...
in London in 2005.
Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson still considers Clive Burr to be '...the best drummer the band ever had. That's not taking anything away from [present drummer] Nicko. Technically, Nicko's probably a far more competent drummer than Clive. It's just that Clive had this incredible feel, and you can't learn that, and I regret that he wasn't given more time to try and sort himself out.'
Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith also praises Burr's drumming ability. 'Clive was a great drummer, an Ian Paice
Ian Paice
Ian Anderson Paice is an English musician, best known as the drummer of the English rock band Deep Purple. As of Jon Lord's departure in 2002, he is the only founding member of the band who never stopped performing with the group, and the only member to appear on every album the band has...
-type drummer, steady and solid with a nice feel to everything.' 'Clive is a great drummer and a great guy, as far as I'm concerned.'
Illness
Burr has since been diagnosed with multiple sclerosisMultiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which the fatty myelin sheaths around the axons of the brain and spinal cord are damaged, leading to demyelination and scarring as well as a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms...
, the treatment of which left him deeply in debt. Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
staged a series of charity concerts and were involved in the founding of the Clive Burr MS Trust Fund. Burr now uses a wheelchair because of the MS.
Burr is now patron of the charity Clive Aid, a charity formed in 2004. Clive Aid has since continued to raise awareness and funds for various Cancer and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) programs around the world through the staging of rock events. Clive attends many of these events. Official Site of Clive Aid
Equipment
Clive used Ludwig drums and Paiste Cymbals on the first two Maiden albums. His most recognised kit was his 1982 custom Tama kit used on the "Beast onthe Road Tour"; depth=diameter "square" tom sizes:
Drums by Tama
- 08” × 08” Tom
- 10” × 10” Tom
- 12” × 12” Tom
- 13” × 13” Tom
- 16” × 16” Floor Tom
- 18” × 16” Floor Tom
- 22” × 16” Bass Drum
- 14”x6.5” (Ludwig Black Beauty Snare)
- 4 Octobans
- Tama Camco Pedals
Drumheads
- Remo Pinstripe
Cymbals - All cymbals by Paiste
- 17" RUDE Crash
- 18" 2002 Medium
- 19" 2002 Medium
- 20" 2002 Medium
- 21" RUDE Crash
- 16" RUDE Crash
- 20" Sound Creation Dark Ride
- 20" 2002 Heavy Ride
- 14" Formula 602 Ex. Heavy Hi-Hats
- 22" 2002 China Type
- 20" 2002 China Type
Sticks
- Custom made by Chas. Foots
Ludwig kits:
Burr had 2 Ludwig Maple drum sets; the earlier in an off-white colour, the later in white cortex. His 2nd kit used the same sizes as his Tama, minus the gong drum and octobans. His 1st Ludwig kit, which he usually played without bottom heads, had the same sizes as his second, but without the 8" tom, and a 14" added after the 13".
With Iron Maiden
- Iron MaidenIron Maiden (album)*On the 1998 remastered release, the fade out of "Transylvania" and the intro to "Strange World" were moved to the end of "Transylvania".-Personnel:*Paul Di'Anno – vocals*Dave Murray – guitar*Dennis Stratton – guitar, backing vocals...
(1980) - KillersKillers (Iron Maiden album)Killers is the second album by British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on 2 February 1981 in the UK, and 6 June 1981 in the US. The album was their first with guitarist Adrian Smith and their last with vocalist Paul Di'Anno, who was sacked after problems with his stage performance arose due...
(1981) - Maiden JapanMaiden JapanMaiden Japan, also known as Heavy Metal Army, is a live EP by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. The title is a pun of Deep Purple's live album Made in Japan....
(1981) - The Number of the BeastThe Number of the Beast (album)The Number of the Beast is the third studio album by the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, released on 29 March 1982 through EMI and on its sister label Capitol the US. The 1998 re-issue was released by EMI and Sanctuary/Columbia in the US...
(1982)
With Trust
- Trust IV (1983)
- Man’s Trap (1984)
- The Best of (1997)
With Elixir
- Lethal potion (1990)
- Sovereign Remedy (2004)
With Praying Mantis
- Captured Alive in Tokyo City (1996)
- Demorabilia (1999) (compilation, contains demos of Clive Burr's Escape)