Paul Di’Anno Passes Away
Paul Di’Anno, the original lead vocalist of Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 66. His passing has left fans and former bandmates deeply saddened.
Di’Anno’s record label announced the news on Facebook, stating, “On behalf of his family, Conquest Music is saddened to confirm the passing of Paul Andrews, known professionally as Paul Di’Anno. He passed away at his home in Salisbury.” Representatives also verified his death to Fox News Digital.
Tribute from Iron Maiden
In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Iron Maiden acknowledged Di’Anno’s immense impact on the band’s early years. They credited him with helping to set the course for their nearly five-decade journey in music.
Legacy and Contributions
The band highlighted Di’Anno’s pioneering presence as a frontman and his contributions to their first two albums. They expressed that his legacy will be cherished by both the band and fans around the globe.
Harris’s Reflection
Harris shared his sorrow in the statement, saying, “It’s truly heartbreaking that he’s gone. I spoke with him not long ago; we were texting about West Ham and their ups and downs. At least he was still performing until recently, which gave him purpose and joy. He will be deeply missed by all of us. Rest in peace, mate. ⚒⚒”
Rise to Fame
The statement notes that the East London-born singer “rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the English heavy metal band Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981.” He contributed to their landmark debut album, Iron Maiden, and its influential follow-up, Killers. After his time with Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno embarked on a lengthy and diverse recording career, performing with bands like Battlezone and Killers, as well as releasing numerous solo projects and making guest appearances.
Transition in the Band
In 1981, Bruce Dickinson took over as the frontman of Iron Maiden after Paul Di’Anno.
Health Struggles
While a cause of death has not been disclosed, Di’Anno’s record label noted that he had been “struggling with serious health issues in recent years.” Despite these challenges, he continued to perform for fans worldwide, completing over 100 shows since 2023, often doing so while in a wheelchair.
Recent Interview Insights
In a 2023 interview with the YouTube channel MB Live, Di’Anno shared that, despite a few one-off performances, he had been “off the road for eight years” due to health issues that made flying difficult. After experiencing a delay in knee surgery in 2022, he faced increasing medical expenses. However, he expressed his gratitude, noting that Iron Maiden “covered the last couple of months of treatment,” saying he was “forever grateful for that.”
Fond Memories and Condolences
“We were truly thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with Paul a couple of years ago and to spend some quality time together. On behalf of the band, Rod, Andy, and the entire Iron Maiden team, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest in peace, Paul.”