Original Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno has died at the age of 66, according to a statement from the late hard rocker's record label, Conquest Music. “On behalf of his family, Conquest Music is saddened to confirm the passing of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di'Anno. Paul died at his home in Salisbury aged 66. read Monday's (October 21) statement.which did not include the date or cause of death.
Di'Anno was the lead singer of the legendary British metal group from 1978-1981, beginning their 45-year run with his urgent, punk-inspired vocals on their 1980 self-titled debut, which included the rip-roaring opener ” Prowler and the band's turbocharged anthem of the same name 'Iron Maiden'.
He also sang in the 1981 sequel, Murdererswhich included such slick metal anthems as the opening instrumental “The Ides of March,” the risqué “Wrathchild” and the storming barrage of “Purgatory,” which cemented the band's groundbreaking blend of hard rock, punk, and prog.
Iron Maiden issued a statement honoring Di'Anno on Monday with a photo of the singer with founding bassist — and cited chief competitor while in Maiden — Steve Harris. “We are all deeply saddened to learn of Paul Di'Anno's passing earlier today. Paul's contribution to Iron Maiden has been huge and has helped us find our way as a band for nearly five decades. His pioneering presence as a frontman and singer, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be fondly remembered not only by us, but by fans around the world,” the statement read.
“It's so sad that he's gone,” Harris added. “I've only been in touch with him recently as we've been texting each other about West Ham and their ups and downs. At least he was still playing until recently, it was something that kept him going, being out there whenever he could. We will all miss him. Rest in peace my friend.”
He concluded, “We were very grateful to have had the opportunity to catch up a few years ago and spend time with him once again. On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the entire Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest condolences to Paul's family and close friends.”
Born in Chingford, East London on 17 May 1958, Di'Anno rose to fame as the frontman of Iron Maiden, before parting ways with the band before their 1982 commercial success with 1982. The number of the beastwhich introduced new singer Bruce Dickinson, who has held the gig ever since. After leaving Maiden, Di'Anno recorded a number of solo albums, as well as LPs with Di'Anno's bands Battlezone, Gogmagog, Killers, Praying Matins, Rockfellas and others.
The powerhouse singer continued to record and tour in 2016 when he was hospitalized for unknown medical reasons. at that time tour-canceled” target=”_blank”>Blabbermouth reported that Di'Anno was forced to play from a wheelchair due to injuries from various motorcycle accidents. He also faced a number of other health challenges over the years, including a near fatal battle with sepsis that landed him in the hospital for eight months in 2015.
“Despite struggling with serious health issues in recent years that have confined him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul has continued to entertain fans around the world, amassing over 100 concerts since 2023,” Conquest Music's statement said. . The first retrospective album of Di'Anno's career, The book of the beastwas released last month, featuring highlights from the songs he recorded after Maiden.
According to an Oct. 10 post on Di'Anno's FB pageHe was due to appear in Edinburgh on December 30 this year before the show was cancelled, although a string of UK dates later this month and in November were still scheduled to go ahead before his death.
Check out some of Di'Anno's Maiden highlights below.
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