Paul Di’Anno, the original vocalist of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has passed away at the age of 66. Born Paul Andrews, he played a significant role in shaping the band’s early sound through their first two albums, Iron Maiden and Killers, which were pivotal in the emergence of the new wave of British heavy metal. Di’Anno departed from the band in 1981 and was succeeded by Bruce Dickinson. He later reflected on his tumultuous lifestyle during his time with Iron Maiden, acknowledging that his relentless partying wasn’t fair to the band or himself.
Current members of Iron Maiden expressed their sorrow over his death, with bassist Steve Harris stating it was “just so sad he’s gone.” He noted that Di’Anno continued to perform until recently, which kept his spirits alive. The band’s tribute emphasized the significant impact of Di’Anno on their trajectory over the decades, particularly highlighting his memorable performances and vocals on their initial albums. Di’Anno’s death was confirmed by Conquest Music, his record label, on behalf of his family, which disclosed that he passed away at his home in Salisbury, though no specific cause of death was mentioned.
Born in Chingford, east London, in 1958, Di’Anno began his musical journey in his teenage years while working various jobs. He joined Iron Maiden in 1977 after a successful audition arranged by Harris, who was looking for a frontman. The band initially faced challenges gaining traction amid the punk rock movement but found success with their demo, the Soundhouse Tapes, which garnered a cult following. Their self-titled debut album released in 1980 was groundbreaking, blending punk’s aggression with rock elements, achieving commercial success and solidifying their place in music history.
Following Di’Anno’s departure, Iron Maiden flourished with Dickinson, producing iconic tracks and becoming a major force in rock music. Despite their split, Di’Anno held no ill will towards his former bandmates or Dickinson, clarifying misconceptions about bitterness between them and defending his financial situation regarding his contributions to Iron Maiden. He remained active in the music scene, touring and releasing new material until his recent passing.