Paul Di’Anno, the original frontman of the legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden, passed away on Monday at the age of 66. The news was confirmed by his family and record label, Conquest Music, who released a statement on his official Facebook page. Di’Anno, who had long been battling health issues, died at his home in Salisbury, England. No cause of death was disclosed, but his health struggles in recent years were well known.
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Health Challenges and Final Performances
Di’Anno’s health had been declining ever since he contracted sepsis nine years ago, which led to a weakened immune system. In 2022, he underwent knee surgery, and despite his physical struggles, he continued performing. Since 2023, Di’Anno performed over 100 shows from a wheelchair, demonstrating his passion and dedication to his craft.
Conquest Music expressed their sorrow in the statement: “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.” The record label did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
Iron Maiden Pays Tribute
Iron Maiden, the band that Di’Anno helped put on the global music map, also released a heartfelt tribute. “Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades,” the band said. “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.”
The tribute was accompanied by a photo of Di’Anno and bassist Steve Harris backstage during Iron Maiden’s “Legacy of the Beast” tour in May 2022. Harris, who had stayed in touch with Di’Anno over the years, expressed deep sadness, sharing that they had recently been texting about their mutual love for West Ham United soccer club. “At least he was still gigging until recently,” Harris said. “It was something that kept him going.”
A Career Beyond Iron Maiden
Born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Di’Anno made his mark on the music world as the lead singer of Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981. He played a significant role in the recording of Iron Maiden’s first two albums: their self-titled debut Iron Maiden (1980) and the follow-up Killers (1981). These albums laid the foundation for the band’s future success.
However, in 1981, Di’Anno was fired from Iron Maiden and replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who would go on to become the band’s iconic frontman. Di’Anno continued his career with other bands, such as Killers, Battlezone, and Warhorse.
Most recently, Di’Anno released an album titled The Book of the Beast, which featured some of his favorite songs since leaving Iron Maiden. The album included collaborations with notable musicians like Tony Martin (Black Sabbath) and ZP Theart (Dragonforce).
A Grateful Heart
Despite their split decades ago, Iron Maiden assisted Di’Anno in covering medical bills for the final few months of his treatment, a gesture Di’Anno said he would be “forever grateful for.” His tenacity to continue performing even in the face of adversity and his lasting influence on the heavy metal scene have left an enduring legacy.
As the music world mourns his passing, fans and musicians alike will remember Paul Di’Anno for his powerful voice, raw stage presence, and unyielding spirit. His contribution to Iron Maiden and heavy metal will remain immortal. Rest in peace, Paul Di’Anno.