Former Iron Maiden Singer Paul DiAnno Passes Away at 66. Paul Di’Anno, the original lead vocalist for Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 66. His family confirmed his passing on Monday, stating that the legendary singer died at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews, fronted the iconic heavy metal band from 1978 to 1981.
Early Career and Time with Iron Maiden:
Di’Anno played a pivotal role in shaping Iron Maiden’s early sound, contributing to their first two albums, Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981). His raw, powerful voice helped propel the band to the forefront of the heavy metal scene. However, his tenure with the group was brief, as he was replaced by current lead singer Bruce Dickinson in 1981.
A statement released by his family through Conquest Music, as reported by Daily Mail, read: “On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno. Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.”
The statement went on to highlight Di’Anno’s impact on the metal world: “Paul first came to prominence as lead singer of English Heavy Metal band, Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981. He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden and the influential follow-up, Killers.”
Post-Maiden Career and Health Struggles:
After leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno pursued a varied career in music. He formed several bands, including Battlezone and Killers, and released numerous solo albums. Despite facing severe health issues in his later years that restricted him to a wheelchair, Di’Anno continued to perform, completing over 100 shows since 2023.
The family also shared details about Di’Anno’s last project: “His first career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast, was released in September 2024 and featured highlights from his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden.”
Conquest Music expressed their gratitude to Di’Anno and his fans: “We are proud to have had Paul Di’Anno in our artist family and ask his legion of fans to raise a glass in his memory.”
Personal Struggles and Legacy: Former Iron Maiden Singer Paul DiAnno Passes Away at 66
Di’Anno’s departure from Iron Maiden in 1981 was largely due to his battle with cocaine addiction. He had previously opened up about his struggles, stating: “It wasn’t just that I was snorting a bit of coke; I was going for it non-stop 24 hours a day every day. The band had commitments piling up, and I just couldn’t see my way to the end of it.”
Over the years, Di’Anno’s personal life saw many ups and downs. He was married five times and is survived by six children.
Iron Maiden’s Legacy and Upcoming Tour:
Iron Maiden, which was formed in 1975 in London, has continued to thrive in the decades since Di’Anno’s departure. The band has released 41 albums, including 17 studio albums, 13 live albums, and four EPs. Just a week before Di’Anno’s passing, Iron Maiden announced a 50th-anniversary tour, set to take place in 2025. The band, now consisting of Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, and Janick Gers, will perform across 27 stadiums, festivals, and arenas starting on May 27 in Budapest, Hungary.
As the music world mourns the loss of Paul Di’Anno, his contributions to the heavy metal genre and Iron Maiden’s legacy will not be forgotten.
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