Paul Di’Anno, the former frontman of Iron Maiden, has passed away at the age of 66. His record label, Conquest Music, confirmed his death in a statement, noting that Di’Anno died at his home in Salisbury. The London-born vocalist had battled significant health issues in recent years but continued to perform despite his challenges.
Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, rose to prominence as the original lead singer of Iron Maiden, a band he joined in 1978. He contributed his distinct gritty, punk-influenced vocals to their self-titled debut album and the follow-up Killers, two records that are still widely regarded as heavy metal classics.
However, Di’Anno’s tenure with the band was short-lived. In 1981, he was dismissed from Iron Maiden during their Killers world tour, reportedly due to personal struggles that affected his ability to continue. His brief but impactful stint with the band left a lasting legacy, with many fans considering the albums he recorded with Iron Maiden as seminal works in the metal genre.
After parting ways with Iron Maiden, Di’Anno pursued an extensive career, fronting several bands including Battlezone and Killers, and releasing numerous solo projects. His most recent album, The Book of the Beast, released in September 2024, showcased highlights from his post-Maiden career.
Despite health setbacks, including a near-fatal battle with sepsis in 2015 and being confined to a wheelchair in his later years, Di’Anno remained active. He returned to the stage in 2022 for the first time in seven years, performing in Zagreb and later embarking on several tours across the UK and Europe. His final performance took place in Kraków, Poland, on August 30, 2024.
Di’Anno leaves behind a legacy defined not only by his time with Iron Maiden but by his perseverance and continued passion for performing despite personal and health challenges. Fans across the world will remember his unique contribution to the heavy metal scene.