Former Iron Maiden Frontman Paul Di'Anno Passes Away, Aged 66
"Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades."
Paul Di'Anno (Source: Supplied)
Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno has passed away. He was 66 years old.
His label, Conquest Music, made a statement on behalf of his family. No cause of death has been revealed, but the singer had been struggling with illness over the years.
From 1978 to 1981, Di’Anno fronted the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, singing on their self-titled debut album and the follow-up LP Killers. He was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who continues to sing for Iron Maiden to this day.
After his time in Iron Maiden, Di’Anno went on to front bands, including Killers and Battlezone and enjoyed an illustrious solo career. He last toured Australia in January of this year.
Conquest Music shared their sadness at confirming Di’Anno’s passing at his home in Salisbury.
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Later in the statement, the label continued: “Despite being troubled by severe health issues in recent years that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, racking up well over 100 shows since 2023.
“His first career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast was released in September 2024 and featured highlights of his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden.
“Conquest Music 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.”
Iron Maiden shared a tribute to Di’Anno on their social media accounts.
“We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today,” the band’s statement reads. “Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades.
“His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world.”
The band’s bassist, Steve Harris, said he’s “so sad” Di’Anno is gone, revealing that the pair were in touch recently about the West Ham football club.
“It’s just so sad he’s gone,” Harris said. “I was in touch with him only recently as we texted each other about West Ham and their ups and downs. At least he was still gigging until recently, it was something that kept him going, to be out there whenever he could. He will be missed by us all. Rest in peace mate.”
The band’s statement continued, “We were very grateful to have had the chance to catch up a couple of years ago and to spend time with him once more. On behalf of the band, Rod [Smallwood, co-manager] and Andy [Taylor, co-manager], and the whole Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest In Peace Paul.”
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