news

Iron Maiden’s first singer was 66

Vaseline October 21, 2024

Heavy metal singer and Iron Maiden’s first vocalist Paul Di’Anno has passed away. He was 66.

His former group paid tribute to Di’Anno in a social media post on Monday.

“We are all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today. Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was enormous and set us on the path we have been on as a band for almost five decades,” the statement said. next to a photo of Di’Anno with founding member and bassist Steve Harris, reads.

“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,” the group’s message continues.

“We were very grateful to have had the opportunity to catch up and spend time with him again a few years ago. On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the entire Iron Maiden team, we send our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest in Peace Paul.”

Harris posted a quote in the statement that reads: “It’s just so sad he’s gone. I only got in touch with him recently when we texted about West Ham and their ups and downs. At least he was still going performing until recently was something that kept him going, to be there whenever he could. He will be missed by all of us.

In 1981, Bruce Dickinson replaced Di’Anno as Iron Maiden’s frontman.

Di’Anno’s record label confirmed the news on their Facebook page as well as on Di’Anno’s page.

“On behalf of his family, Conquest Music confirms the death of Paul Andrews, known professionally as Paul Di’Anno. Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury,” the message read. Representatives also confirmed Di’Anno’s death to Fox News Digital.

No cause of death was given, but his record label acknowledged that Di’Anno had “suffered serious health issues in recent years.” However, he “continued to entertain his fans around the world, performing over 100 shows since 2023” while performing in a wheelchair.

The East London-born singer “first came to prominence as the lead singer of English heavy metal band Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981,” the statement said. “He sang on their seminal debut album Iron Maiden and its influential follow-up Killers. Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno has had a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers, as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances.”

In a 2023 interview with YouTube channel MB Live, Di’Anno said that although he had made some one-off appearances, he was “off the road for eight years” due to health issues that prevented him from flying.

After undergoing delayed knee surgery in 2022, Di’Anno faced mounting medical costs. However, Iron Maiden “paid for the treatment over the last few months,” he revealed, adding that he was “eternally grateful for that.”