The music world has paid tribute to the late Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno, who died aged 66.
Di’Anno whose death was confirmed yesterday, served as frontman for the band from 1978 to 1981, where he handled vocals on Iron Maiden’s first two albums, their self titled LP and 1981’s Killers.
After being fired from the band in 1981, Di’Anno was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who became the band’s recognised frontman.
Di’Anno eventually retired from the stage in 2020 on doctor’s advice, having suffered with several health issues over the years, including undergoing two knee replacement operations from past motorcycle accidents.
Following his death, Iron Maiden shared this heartfelt statement. Check that out here.
Tributes Paid To Paul Di’Anno
The death of Paul Di’Anno was met with an outpouring of grief online, with a myriad of household names in music paying tribute to him.
“It’s just so sad he’s gone. 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”, Steve Harris wrote.
Black Sabbath’s Geezer Buter also added this message.
“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”, he wrote.
“forever changed so many lives”
Other musicians to pay tribute to Paul Di’Anno also include Ryan Adams, as well as Volbeat pair Michael Poulsen and Jon Larson.
“RIP Paul Di’Anno #UpTheIrons forever. You forever changed so many lives, forever changed music, gave a voice to a place where heavy metal and punk and great songs roamed free and carelessly uninterested in the limitations of those different things”, wrote Ryan Adams.
Michael Poulsen added: “My deepest condolences for the loss of a Paul Di’Anno. The memory of discovering the classic Maiden album Killers as a young kid still stands very clear in my head. First, almost pissing my pants seeing the cover artwork: how metal could it get? Then actually p****** my pants from overexcitement listening to the music”.
Jon Larson wrote: “So sad to read about the passing of Paul Di’Anno. His vocal style was a big part of the two first Maiden albums. Nobody sounded like him, or looked like him. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace”.
