Paul Di’Anno, Former Iron Maiden Frontman, Passes Away at 66
The music world is mourning the loss of Paul Di’Anno, the iconic lead singer of Iron Maiden during their formative years. His family revealed the sad news through a statement from Conquest Music, although no specific cause of death was provided. Di’Anno struggled with health issues in recent years and passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.
Di’Anno’s career with Iron Maiden spanned from 1978 to 1981, during which he lent his powerful vocals to the band’s self-titled debut album and the seminal follow-up, “Killers.” His dynamic stage presence and unique voice contributed significantly to the heavy metal band’s early sound, making tracks like "Running Free," "Sanctuary," and "Wrathchild" unforgettable classics in the genre.
After his tenure with Iron Maiden, Di’Anno continued to forge a path in the music industry. He fronted bands such as Battlezone and Killers and released multiple solo albums that showcased his heavy metal prowess. Despite facing challenging health issues, including performing in a wheelchair, Di’Anno remained dedicated to his fans, completing over 100 concerts worldwide since 2023.
Born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Di’Anno’s rise to fame was remarkable. His contributions to the heavy metal scene were recognized in September 2024 with the release of “The Book of the Beast,” a comprehensive retrospective of his career that highlighted his work post-Iron Maiden.
Throughout his career, Di’Anno faced challenges within the band, including reported discord among band members, particularly with founder Steve Harris and manager Rod Smallwood. Although he stepped away from Maiden in 1981, he later addressed these claims, emphasizing that his departure was not due to vocal issues but rather personal disagreements within the band.
Quoting Di’Anno from an interview with Rock Hard magazine in 2022, he expressed: “My record stands for itself. I’ve played more shows than Iron Maiden have ever played… So it was nothing to do with my voice.” His resilience and passion for music shone through, even during the toughest times.
Conquest Music, his long-time label, expressed pride in having Di’Anno as part of their artist family and invited fans to remember him fondly. Tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians alike, celebrating his contributions to rock music and his enduring legacy.
Paul Di’Anno’s departure leaves a significant void in the heavy metal community, but his impact will continue to resonate through the countless songs and performances that defined a generation. His voice and spirit will forever be a part of the Iron Maiden legacy and heavy metal history. The music industry has lost not only a talented vocalist but a passionate artist who dedicated his life to music, performing until the very end.
