Paul Di’Anno, the original lead singer of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 66.
Born Paul Andrews in Chingford, east London, in 1958, Di’Anno was known for his work on Iron Maiden’s first two albums, Iron Maiden and Killers, which helped establish the band as a key player in the new wave of British heavy metal.
Di’Anno left the band in 1981 and was succeeded by Bruce Dickinson. He later reflected on his departure, stating that his excessive partying had negatively impacted the band, the fans, and himself.
Current members of Iron Maiden expressed their sorrow over Di’Anno’s passing. Bassist Steve Harris shared his condolences on social media, calling it “just so sad he’s gone.” He noted that Di’Anno had continued to perform until recently, which had kept him motivated. “He will be missed by us all. Rest in peace, mate,” Harris added.
The band’s statement acknowledged Di’Anno’s significant contributions, stating, “His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist will be fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world.”
Di’Anno’s death was announced by Conquest Music on behalf of his family, who stated he passed away at his home in Salisbury. No cause of death was provided.
Conquest Music said, “We are proud to have had Paul Di’Anno in our artist family and ask his legion of fans to raise a glass in his memory.”
Di’Anno began his music career in his teens, performing with various bands while working as a butcher and chef. In 1977, he met Harris, who was looking for a vocalist for Iron Maiden. After auditioning, Di’Anno secured the position.
Iron Maiden’s sound, which combined punk intensity with rock riffs, was distinct during the rise of punk rock. They faced challenges securing gigs, prompting them to create a demo tape known as the Soundhouse Tapes, which gained a cult following and sold 5,000 copies.
By 1979, the band had signed a record deal with EMI and released their self-titled debut album, which entered the UK album chart at number four in April 1980. The success of the single “Running Free” also earned them a spot on the music TV show Top of the Pops.
The follow-up album, Killers, released in 1981, showcased a harder sound. After a world tour, Di’Anno departed from the band. He later remarked that the pressures of success led him to a dark place, stating, “I was on another planet.”
Following Di’Anno’s departure, Iron Maiden, under Dickinson’s leadership, achieved massive success with hits such as “Run to the Hills” and “Can I Play with Madness.” However, Di’Anno maintained that there was no animosity between him and the band or his successor.
He also denied claims of being underpaid for his contributions to the first two Iron Maiden albums, asserting that he was compensated fairly.
After leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno’s distinctive vocals influenced numerous metal bands, including Metallica, Pantera, and Sepultura. He continued his music career as a solo artist and with bands like Gogmagog, Battlezone, Praying Mantis, and Killers.
In recent years, he performed in a wheelchair due to serious health issues, including lymphedema. In 2022, fans helped him raise funds for major knee surgery in Croatia. Despite his health challenges, he maintained an active touring schedule, performing over 100 shows in 2023 and 2024.
Last month, a career retrospective album titled The Book of the Beast was released, featuring highlights from his solo career and reworked versions of Iron Maiden songs “Tomorrow” and “Wrathchild.” A documentary about his life is set to be released later this year.
