Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno has died at age 66.
Di’Anno was known as the voice behind the band’s groundbreaking first two albums, “Iron Maiden” and “Killers,” released in 1980 and 1981, respectively.
He joined Iron Maiden in 1978 during a tumultuous period of lineup changes, bringing a fresh energy that marked a distinctive chapter in the band’s evolution.
As reported by Ultimate Classic Rock, tensions within the group, canceled performances, and a string of unsatisfactory live shows ultimately led to Di’Anno’s departure in 1981, with Bruce Dickinson stepping in to take the helm.
Reflecting on this phase of his career, Di’Anno remarked to Metal Hammer in 2020, “I don’t blame them for getting rid of me. Obviously, the band was Steve’s [Harris] baby, but I wish I’d been able to contribute more. I couldn’t give 100 percent to Maiden, and that wasn’t fair—to the band, the fans, or to myself.”
He further expressed pride in the two albums he recorded with Iron Maiden, acknowledging their influence on the metal genre. Meeting iconic bands like Metallica, Pantera, and Sepultura affirmed his impact, making him feel an immense sense of pride.
“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.”
The statement highlighted Di’Anno’s extensive career post-Iron Maiden, including notable projects with Battlezone and Killers, as well as his many solo efforts. His retrospective album, ‘The Book of the Beast,’ released in September 2024, showcases the highlights of his artistic journey since departing from the iconic band.
In the past decade, health challenges emerged, including a significant knee surgery in 2014 that led to him performing live while using a wheelchair. A frightening experience in his later years included a lung scare.
“I collapsed at home after coming back from Argentina, and a scan found a massive big black shadow on my lungs. I feared the worst, but it turned out to be non-malignant,” Di’Anno recounted to Classic Rock, detailing the shock of discovering he had been living with a severe abscess.
He remarked, “I suppose I’m pretty damn lucky, but the last six months have been hard.” His resilience doesn’t go unnoticed; despite serious health issues, he continued to perform, delighting fans in over 100 shows since 2023.
His family issued a heartfelt statement, noting that even facing debilitating health challenges, Paul committed himself to entertaining fans around the world.
As the music community reflects on the life of this metal pioneer, fans and fellow musicians alike remember him not just as the voice of early Iron Maiden, but as a vibrant spirit who left an indelible mark on the genre. In the words of those closest to him, remembering Paul Di’Anno is to celebrate a fearless artist who faced life’s battles head-on, sharing his passion for music until the very end.
Conquest Music underscores this sentiment, inviting fans to raise a drink in honor of a man whose vocal talent and legacy will continue to resonate within the hearts of heavy metal enthusiasts worldwide.
