SALISBURY, United Kingdom – Paul Di’Anno, the original lead singer of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 66.

According to a statement from Conquest Music, Di’Anno died at his home in Salisbury.

Di’Anno, whose real name was Paul Andrews, was the lead singer of Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981 and performed on the group’s first two albums, ‘Iron Maiden’ and ‘Killers’. He co-wrote the band’s first single, ‘Running Free’, and the title track of ‘Killers’. Di’Anno was replaced by Bruce Dickinson after he left the band in 1981.

“We are all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today,” the band said in a statement on social media. “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.”

After leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno released several solo recordings and also performed with multiple bands, including Gogmagog, Di’Anno’s Battlezone, Killers, Rockfellas and Warhorse.

According to Conquest’s statement, he had been dealing with “serious health issues” in recent years, but continued to perform while confined to a wheelchair. The statement said Di’Anno has performed in “more than 100 shows” since 2023.

“It’s so sad he’s gone,” Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris said in a statement. “I only had contact with him recently when we texted each other about West Ham and their ups and downs. In any case, he was still performing until recently, it was something that kept him going, to be there whenever he could. He will be missed by all of us. Rest in peace, buddy.”