Paul Di’Anno, the early frontman of Iron Maiden, has died at 66, leaving behind a legacy in the heavy metal genre with notable albums and performances, despite facing personal challenges throughout his life.
Paul Di’Anno, Iconic Iron Maiden Vocalist, Passes Away at 66
Paul Di’Anno, Iconic Iron Maiden Vocalist, Passes Away at 66
The original lead singer of Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno, known for his impactful contribution to heavy metal, has died in his home.
Paul Di’Anno, the influential lead singer of the legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden during its formative years, has passed away at the age of 66 at his residence in Salisbury, England. The news was confirmed by Conquest Music, a label that represented him, through a statement on social media.
Born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Di’Anno described himself as a music enthusiast from a young age, famously skipping school to attend an early AC/DC concert. His rise to fame began when he joined Iron Maiden, where he fronted the band from 1978 to 1981. During this period, Iron Maiden released their self-titled debut album in 1980, followed by “Killers” in February 1981.
After his departure from Iron Maiden, Di’Anno pursued various musical paths, fronting bands such as Battlezone and Killers, as well as embarking on a solo career. He released a retrospective album, “The Book of the Beast,” in September. In a candid interview with Metal Hammer magazine, Di’Anno expressed no resentment towards Iron Maiden for replacing him with Bruce Dickinson, admitting that he could no longer contribute fully due to personal struggles, including health issues and his notorious partying lifestyle.
Despite facing declining health in recent years, Di’Anno remained dedicated to his fans, performing over 100 shows since 2023, albeit in a wheelchair. His autobiography, “The Beast,” published in 2010, reflects on his journey, including his candid thoughts on his experiences within the band and his early impressions of their performances.
Di’Anno is remembered not only for his contribution to Iron Maiden’s early sound but also for his undying passion for music and performance, leaving an indelible mark on the heavy metal scene. A list of survivors has not been made public at this time.
