Original Iron Maiden singer Paul D'Anno dies, aged 66

Paul Di'Anno, the first vocalist of the heavy metal group Iron Maiden, has passed away at the age of 66.

Originally named Paul Andrews, the artist who played a key role in the band's first two albums, Iron Maiden and Killers, helped establish them as a significant force in the new wave of British heavy metal.

He departed from the band in 1981 and was succeeded by Bruce Dickinson. Di'Anno later acknowledged that he had been living a lifestyle of constant partying, around the clock, and recognized that the consequences of his choices were unfair to the band, the fans, and himself.

The current members of the band expressed their sorrow, stating that they were all profoundly affected by his passing.

In a post on social media, bassist Steve Harris expressed his deep sorrow over the loss, stating it was "just so heartbreaking that he's no longer here."

"At least he was still performing up until not long ago; it was a way for him to stay motivated and be active whenever possible. We'll all miss him dearly. Rest in peace, my friend."

The remainder of the band's message stated: "Paul played a vital role in Iron Maiden and was instrumental in guiding us along the journey we’ve been on as a band for nearly fifty years."

"We will always cherish his groundbreaking role as the lead singer and performer, both in live shows and on our first two albums. His impact will be remembered lovingly, not just by us, but by fans all over the globe."

The news of Di'Anno's passing was shared by Conquest Music, representing his family.

In a announcement, it was revealed that Di'Anno had "died at his residence in Salisbury." The reason for his death was not disclosed.

"Conquest Music takes pride in having Paul Di'Anno as part of our artist family and encourages his many fans to raise a toast in his honor," they shared.

Born in Chingford, a neighborhood in east London, in 1958, Di'Anno performed with various bands during his teenage years while also holding jobs as a butcher and a chef.

In 1977, he became friends with bassist Steve Harris, who was looking for a vocalist for his emerging metal band, Iron Maiden. Di'Anno tried out for the position and landed the role.

Their music was unique and stood out during the rise of punk rock, making it difficult for them to book shows beyond London. To tackle this problem, they chose to create a demo tape to attract more attention.

Referred to as the Soundhouse Tapes, this three-song demo helped them attract a dedicated fanbase, with 5,000 copies sold through mail order.

By 1979, they landed a contract with EMI and began working on their first album, which was named after the band.

Even though it was assembled quickly, the album had a significant impact, blending punk energy with rock guitar riffs that laid the groundwork for heavy metal in the 1980s.

In April 1980, the album debuted at number four on the UK chart, and the popularity of the single "Running Free" landed the band an esteemed appearance on the music television program Top of the Pops.

The next album, *Killers*, released in 1981, featured a tougher sound. However, following a worldwide tour, Di'Anno either was let go from the band or chose to depart on his own.

Regardless, he mentioned that achieving success had brought him to a troubling state.

"I already had an over-the-top personality, but I really took it to the next level there," he shared in an interview with Rock Hard magazine in 2004.

"I felt like I was in a totally different world, just like the rest of the band."

After Dickinson joined the band, Iron Maiden emerged as one of the most successful rock groups, releasing iconic tracks such as "Run To The Hills" and "Can I Play With Madness."

However, Di'Anno never harbored any resentment towards the band or the person who took his place.

"Many people believe that we despised one another, but that's entirely false," he said in an interview with SDTV last month. "That's just how the media operates."

He also dismissed claims that he had not received fair compensation for his work on the first two Iron Maiden albums, which featured his co-writing contributions on important songs such as Remember Tomorrow, Killers, Sanctuary, and Running Free.

"To be completely honest, it's really no one else's concern, but I received a substantial payment," he shared with Rock Hard in 2022.

"They took care of me. That's all there is to it."

After departing from Iron Maiden, Di'Anno's powerful and intense singing style inspired various metal bands, such as Metallica, Pantera, and Sepultura.

He continued his music career as both a solo performer and as part of various bands, including Gogmagog, Battlezone, Praying Mantis, and Killers.

In the past few years, he has been performing while using a wheelchair because of severe health problems, including lymphedema, which leads to swelling in the body's tissues. In 2022, his supporters came together to help him fund significant knee surgery in Croatia.

Nevertheless, he maintained a busy performance calendar, giving over 100 concerts in 2023 and 2024.

Last month, a compilation album titled *The Book of the Beast* was launched, featuring key moments from his solo work as well as new interpretations of two Iron Maiden tracks, "Tomorrow" and "Wrathchild."

A film documenting his life is set to come out at the end of the year.