The music world mourns the passing of Paul Di’Anno, the original lead vocalist of the globally acclaimed British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. The singer died on October 21, 2024 at his residence in Salisbury, England at the age of 66. His death was announced by his record label, Conquest Music, although the exact cause was not disclosed.
From 1978 to 1981, Di’Anno was the face of Iron Maiden, during which time he recorded two foundational albums, “Iron Maiden” (1980) and “Killers” (1981). These albums helped to define the band’s unique sound. Di’Anno left the band in 1981 to be replaced by Bruce Dickinson. Di’Anno later admitted that his excessive partying lifestyle was not fair to his bandmates, the fans, or himself.
The death of Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews, elicited expressions of deep sorrow from the current lineup of Iron Maiden.
His vocal work on tracks such as “Running Free,” “Sanctuary,” and “Twilight Zone/Wrathchild” played a significant role in defining Iron Maiden’s early sound. The band recognized Di’Anno’s “trailblazing presence” as a singer and frontman and acknowledged his integral role in their rise to prominence.
After his departure from Iron Maiden, Di’Anno remained active in the music scene. He performed with various other bands, including Battlezone and Killers, and pursued a solo career. In September 2024, he released “The Book of the Beast,” a retrospective album of his career.
Di’Anno experienced significant health issues in recent years, including a knee abscess the size of a golf ball that required surgery, a cost borne in part by his former band. He also fought pneumonia while on tour in Mexico, which resulted in further infections and complications.
Despite his health struggles, Di’Anno performed in over 100 concerts since 2023, often appearing on stage in a wheelchair. His recent interactions with Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris were centered around their mutual love for the West Ham United football club.
Iron Maiden posted a tribute to the late singer on their social media platforms, featuring a picture of Di’Anno with bassist Steve Harris. The band expressed their deep sadness over his passing and reflected on his critical role in shaping the band’s legacy. His pioneering influence as a vocalist and frontman, particularly during the recording of their first two albums, will be remembered fondly by the band and fans worldwide.
Beyond Iron Maiden, Di’Anno’s influence reached bands like Metallica, Pantera, and Sepultura, who have cited his early work as a significant influence on their music.