Original Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno dies aged 66 – the rock world pays tribute
Paul Di’Anno, the original lead vocalist of the legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 66.
Di’Anno’s record label, Conquest Music, shared that the singer passed away at his home in Salisbury, England. No cause of death was disclosed, though the statement noted that Di’Anno had been “troubled by severe health issues in recent years.”
On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’…
Posted by Conquest Music on Monday, October 21, 2024
Born Paul Andrews on 17 May 1958, in Chingford, East London, Di’Anno’s musical journey began in his teenage years as he performed with various bands. His big break came in 1977 when he joined Iron Maiden, an emerging band at the time navigating the burgeoning punk rock scene.
“Steve Harris invited me to audition for the band, and I more or less realised that Maiden had the potential to become a successful international act, provided that they found the right line-up and mostly the right frontman,” the musician recalled.
Di’Anno’s powerful and gritty vocals would go on to become a defining feature of Iron Maiden’s early music. He contributed to the band’s first two albums: the self-titled debut Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981). These albums were pivotal in establishing the new wave of British heavy metal and helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase for the band. Di’Anno’s tenure with Iron Maiden ended in 1981, when he was replaced by current singer Bruce Dickinson.
After leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno continued to make music with bands such as Battlezone and Killers while also pursuing a solo career. He released several albums and remained active in the music scene despite struggles with his health. Notably, Di’Anno performed over 100 concerts since 2023, even while using a wheelchair due to complications stemming from surgeries and infections.
His latest compilation album, The Book of the Beast, was released last month and featured highlights from his career along with “reworked” tracks from his time with Iron Maiden.
“We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today,” Iron Maiden wrote in a joint statement. “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. 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.”
Read more tributes below.
Sad to hear that Paul Di’Anno has passed away. He, along with the rest of Iron Maiden, revived British metal in late 70’s, early 80’s. RIP. #UpTheIrons @IronMaiden pic.twitter.com/6lTioCDsFs
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) October 21, 2024
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