Iron Maiden’s original vocalist Paul Di’Anno has died at the age of just 66. He had been suffering from a myriad of health issues in recent years.
Upon learning of his passing, Iron Maiden released a statement saying that band was “deeply saddened” categorising Di’Anno as a “pioneering presence.”
The news was reported by Di’Anno’s record label, Conquest Music, which issued the following statement:
“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 17th May 1958, Paul first came to prominence as lead singer of English Heavy Metal band, Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981. He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden, and the influential follow up release, Killers. Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno had a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances. Despite being troubled by severe health issues in recent years that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, racking up well over 100 shows since 2023. His first career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast was released in September 2024 and featured highlights of his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden. 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.”
Following brief stints as Iron Maiden’s singer by Paul Day and Dennis Wilcock, Di’Anno took over as the band’s frontman in 1978. Di’Anno handled vocals on Maiden’s first two albums, 1980’s self-titled LP and 1981’s Killers, helping to establish the band as leaders of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
He was fired from the band in 1981 due to his drug and alcohol use, and was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who would go on to become the definitive voice of Iron Maiden.
After his removal from Maiden, Di’Anno formed his own heavy metal project, Paul Di’Anno’s Battlezone, releasing a pair of full-length albums in the 1980s and a comeback effort in 1998.
The singer also briefly fronted NWOBHM band Praying Mantis in the early ’90s before forming Killers alongside members of Tank, Raven, and Battlezone. That group dropped two LPs during its run from 1991 through 1997.
In recent years, Di’Anno dealt with serious health issues, including two knee replacement operations from past motorcycle accidents that left him confined to a wheelchair. On the advice of his doctors, he originally announced his retirement from touring in 2020.
But Di’Anno — who didn’t receive royalties from Iron Maiden songs after being paid out at the time of his departure — instead formed a new band, Warhorse, alongside Czech musicians Ante Pupacic and Hrvoje Madiraca. With Warhorse, Di’Anno returned to performing live, and the trio released a self-titled debut album in July of this year.
That same month, Di’Anno also had the chance to meet Bruce Dickinson for the first time following the latter’s solo concert in Zagreb, Croatia. Coincidentally, Di’Anno was nearby for a promotional signing event for the release of the Warhorse album.
“When we thought that nothing could surprise us anymore in the heavy metal world, tonight’s ‘miracle’ in Zagreb proved us all wrong,” wrote Di’Anno’s manager, Stjepan Juras. “Paul Di’Anno and Bruce Dickinson met for the first time and had a friendly chat right in Zagreb.”
We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today. 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.
“It’s just so sad he’s gone,” comments Steve Harris. “I was in touch with him only recently as we texted each other about West Ham and their ups and downs. At least he was still gigging until recently, it was something that kept him going, to be out there whenever he could. He will be missed by us all. Rest in peace mate ⚒⚒.”
We were very grateful to have had the chance to catch up a couple of years ago and to spend time with him once more. On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the whole Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest In Peace Paul.
