Paul Di’Anno – who fronted Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981 – has passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.
Updated story: Iron Maiden have shared the following statement:
“We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today. Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades. His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both onstage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world.
“‘It’s just so sad he’s gone,’ comments Steve Harris. ‘I was in touch with him only recently as we texted each other about West Ham and their ups and downs. At least he was still gigging until recently, it was something that kept him going, to be out there whenever he could. He will be missed by us all. Rest in peace mate.’
“We were very grateful to have had the chance to catch up a couple of years ago and to spend time with him once more. On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the whole Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest In Peace Paul.”
Original story: Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno has died.
The sad news was announced by his label Conquest Music, who confirmed that the vocalist – real name Paul Andrews – passed away at the age of 66 at his home in Salisbury, England.
A brief statement notes that, “Despite being troubled by severe health issues in recent years that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, racking up well over 100 shows since 2023.”
They add that, “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.”
Paul appeared on Maiden’s self-titled debut album and follow-up Killers, as well as later fronting bands such as Battlezone and Killers. He released his ‘definitive’ career retrospective, The Book Of The Beast, just last month.
See the announcement from Conquest Music below:
Read this: The story behind Killers by Iron Maiden
