Former Iron Maiden Singer Paul Di’Anno Dead at 66
via Dan Delaney / YouTube
Paul Di’Anno, the original singer for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 66. He passed away at his home in Salisbury, in southern England.
The Passing of Paul Di’Anno
In a statement, Conquest Music, his record label, confirmed the news: “On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno. Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.”
Born in Chingford, East London, on May 17, 1958, Di’Anno first came into the spotlight as the lead singer of Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981. He sang on their debut album “Iron Maiden” and the follow-up release “Killers,” both of which were influential in the heavy metal genre.
After his time with Iron Maiden, Di’Anno’s career continued with various bands and solo projects. He was involved with groups like Battlezone and Killers and made numerous solo releases and guest appearances. Despite facing severe health issues in recent years, which required him to use a wheelchair, Di’Anno continued to perform. He completed over 100 shows since 2023.
In September 2024, he released his first career retrospective album, “The Book of the Beast.” The album featured highlights from his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden. Conquest Music expressed pride in having Di’Anno as part of their artist family and asked his fans to honor his memory. “Conquest Music 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.”
Iron Maiden’s Tribute and Paul Di’Anno’s Enduring Legacy
Iron Maiden also paid tribute to their former bandmate. They acknowledged his significant impact on the band’s success. “Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been traveling as a band for almost five decades. His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world.”
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Di’Anno’s influence on Iron Maiden and the heavy metal genre remains evident. His work with the band laid the foundation for their long-term success and garnered a global fan base. The albums “Iron Maiden” and “Killers,” featuring Di’Anno’s vocals, are often cited as essential listens for heavy metal enthusiasts.
His later work with Battlezone and Killers also contributed to his legacy. These projects allowed him to explore different musical styles while maintaining his unique voice. He was known for his energetic performances, even when his health began to decline.
Over the years, Di’Anno faced multiple health challenges, but his passion for music never wavered. Fans admired his determination to keep performing despite these difficulties. This spirit was evident in the more than 100 shows he performed since 2023, showing his dedication to his craft and his fans.
In addition to his musical career, Di’Anno’s personal life and health struggles were often in the public eye. He was open about his battles, which included severe knee issues that eventually left him wheelchair-bound. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to music, showing resilience and dedication.
