Paul Di’Anno, Iron Maiden’s lead singer on the first two albums, has died, according to a statement from his label on behalf of his family. No cause of death was announced, but he had been battling an illness for years; he was 66.

Di’Anno was the lead singer of Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981, singing on the group’s self-titled debut album and its iconic follow-up ‘Killers’. He was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who has remained the band’s lead singer ever since.

In the years that followed, Di’Anno fronted the bands Battlezone and Killers and released several solo albums. He has struggled with health problems in recent years, but has managed to give more than a hundred concerts since 2023, according to the announcement, which follows in full.

“On behalf of his family, Conquest Music is saddened to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, known professionally as Paul Di’Anno,” the statement said.

Paul died at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.

Born on May 17, 1958 in Chingford, East London, Paul first came to prominence as the lead singer of English heavy metal band Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981. 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.

Despite suffering from serious health problems in recent years that limited him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain fans around the world, performing more than 100 shows since 2023.

His first retrospective album, The Book of the Beast, was released in September 2024 and featured highlights of his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden.

Conquest Music is proud to have Paul Di’Anno in our artist family and asks his legion of fans to raise a glass in his memory.”