Iron Maiden: Original Singer Paul Di’Anno Dies At 66
Paul Di’Anno, who sang on Iron Maiden’s first two albums, has died at age 66, according to his record label, Conquest Music. A cause of death wasn’t announced. Di’Anno sang on the classic albums Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981). A Facebook post from Conquest Music 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. Born in Chingford, East London on 17th May 1958, 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 release, Killers. Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno had a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances. 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.” See the post here.
Iron Maiden posted to their social media channels as well.
“We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today. 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.”
They added a quote from the band’s bassist and leader, Steve Harris. “It’s just so sad he’s gone. 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.”
With Paul Di’Anno, Iron Maiden was a less progressive and more punk-sounding band than they would later be, after Di’Anno was fired from the group. He was, of course, replaced by Bruce Dickinson; with Dickinson, the band became one of metal’s most influential acts. But Iron Maiden still performs songs from the Di’Anno era, including “Running Free” and “Iron Maiden.”
Di’Anno maintained a solo career after Maiden, and often talked smack about his former band. “I left Iron Maiden because they were going too heavy metal,” he said in this interview. He always considered himself more punk than metal. “Iron Maiden is a money-making machine, and I don’t give a f— about it,” he said. “It was not about drugs. It was nothing like that… But you need to take drugs when you’re with Iron Maiden because they’re so f—ing boring.”
However at other times, he was more diplomatic about the band. I saw Di’Anno at a solo club gig in New York City about 15 years ago, where he was playing nearly all Maiden songs and he noted that Steve Harris was one of his best friends. In 2022, he said that he didn’t blame the band for firing him. More recently, in July he came face to face with Bruce Dickinson for, apparently, the first time ever.
Iron Maiden has been on the ballot for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but has yet to be inducted. Di’Anno would be included if the band are eventually voted in.
