Paul Di'Anno, the first singer to record with British metal icons Iron Maiden, has died. Music of conquest shared the newson behalf of Di'Anno's family, but did not disclose the cause of death, noting only that the musician “had been troubled by serious health problems in recent years.” Di'Anno was 66 years old.
Di'Anno was born Paul Andrews in England in 1958. He was invited by Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris to audition for the band in the late 1970s. potential to become a successful international act, provided they find the right lineup and especially the right frontman,” Di'Anno. reminded. “Maiden have had other singers before, but none of them had either the voice or the personality required to make the band a world-class success. Then I auditioned and realized that my voice was perfect for Metal and that even though I had never sung that type of music before, I was what Maiden needed to make it huge. And also Steve's incredible confidence in his music and his band convinced me to accept the job immediately, without asking myself any questions.”
Di'Anno—with Harris, guitarists Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton, and drummer Clive Burr—released Iron Maiden's first studio album in April 1980. Harris only made one more album with Iron Maiden, in 1981 Murderersbefore being replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who is still the group's lead singer.
After leaving Iron Maiden, Di'Anno started or joined numerous groups, including Di'Anno, Gogmagog, Battlezone, Killers and Praying Mantis. He also made several solo albums and often recorded with his former Iron Maiden bandmate Dennis Stratton. Di'Anno released his memoirs, The Beastin 2010.
“We are all deeply saddened to learn of Paul Di'Anno's passing earlier today,” Iron Maiden he wrote in a team statement. “Paul's contribution to Iron Maiden has been huge and has helped set us on the path we've been on 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.”
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