Paul Di’Anno, the original vocalist of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has passed away at the age of 66. Known for his distinctive guttural vocal style, Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews, was instrumental in shaping the band’s early sound with his performances on their first two albums, Iron Maiden and Killers. He departed from the band in 1981 and was succeeded by Bruce Dickinson. Di’Anno later reflected on his lifestyle choices, admitting he had been living a hedonistic life that was unfair to himself, the band, and their fans. In response to his death, current Iron Maiden members expressed their deep sorrow.
Steve Harris, the band’s bassist, took to social media to share his sadness, noting that Di’Anno had continued to perform until recently, which helped keep his spirit alive. He stated, “He will be missed by us all. Rest in peace mate.” The band’s tribute emphasized Di’Anno’s significant influence on Iron Maiden, stating, “His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist will be very fondly remembered.” Di’Anno’s passing was confirmed by his record label, Conquest Music, which revealed that he died at his home in Salisbury, although no specific cause of death was disclosed.
Born in 1958 in Chingford, east London, Di’Anno sang with various bands in his youth while also working as a butcher and chef. His journey with Iron Maiden began in 1977 when he auditioned for Harris, leading to the formation of the band that would challenge the punk rock dominance of the time. They recorded a demo, known as the Soundhouse Tapes, which garnered them a devoted following and eventually led to a record deal with EMI. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1980 and entered the UK album chart at number four, with the single “Running Free” elevating their profile on music television.
The band’s second album, Killers, showcased a heavier sound, but Di’Anno’s tenure came to an end after a world tour, as he faced personal difficulties amid their rising fame. Despite the transition, Di’Anno held no resentment toward the band or his successor, dispelling rumors of animosity. He also addressed speculation about pay, emphasizing that he was compensated fairly for his contributions, including co-writing numerous key tracks.
Recently, Di’Anno had been active in touring and music releases during the summer months, reflecting his enduring passion for performance until the end of his life.