Paul Di’Anno, the first singer to record with British metal icons Iron Maiden, has died. Conquest Music shared the news on behalf of Di’Anno’s family, but did not reveal a cause of death, noting only that the musician had “suffered serious health issues in recent years.” Di’Anno was 66 years old.

Di’Anno was born in England in 1958 as Paul Andrews. He was invited by Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris to audition for the band in the late 1970s. “I kind of realized that Maiden had the potential to be a successful international act, provided they found the right lineup and especially the right frontman,” Di’Anno recalls. “Maiden had had other singers before, but none of them had the voice or personality needed to make the band a world-class success. When I auditioned, I realized that my voice was a perfect fit for Metal and that even though I had never sung this type of music before, I was the one Maiden needed to make it big. And also Steve’s incredible confidence in his music and in his band convinced me to accept the job immediately, without asking myself any questions.”

Di’Anno, along with Harris, guitarists Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton and drummer Clive Burr, released the first Iron Maiden studio album in April 1980. Harris made one more album with Iron Maiden, in 1981. Murderersbefore being replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who remains the group’s lead singer.

After leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno launched or joined numerous groups, including Di’Anno, Gogmagog, Battlezone, Killers, and Praying Mantis. He also made several solo albums and often recorded with his former Iron Maiden bandmate Dennis Stratton. Di’Anno released his memoir, The Beastin 2010.

“We are all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today,” Iron Maiden wrote in a group statement. “Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was enormous and helped set us on the path we have been on as a band for almost five decades. His groundbreaking presence as a frontman and singer, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be fondly remembered not only by us, but by fans around the world.”