Paul Di’Anno, Iron Maiden’s Original Frontman, Passes Away at 66
Paul Di’Anno, the original voice that launched the legendary British metal band Iron Maiden to global fame, has passed away at the age of 66. Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, died at his home in Salisbury, England, after enduring significant health challenges in recent years. His record label, Conquest Music, confirmed the news on behalf of his family but did not disclose the exact cause of death.
Di’Anno was Iron Maiden’s lead singer from 1978 to 1981, fronting the band on their first two groundbreaking albums: Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981). These records helped establish Iron Maiden as pioneers in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), with Di’Anno’s raw, aggressive vocal style influencing the trajectory of heavy metal for years to come.
Iron Maiden issued a heartfelt statement following Di’Anno’s death, expressing their deep sadness: “Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been traveling as a band for almost five decades. His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world.”
Di’Anno was renowned for his intense, punk-infused vocal delivery, which gave the band a unique edge during the rise of punk rock in the late 1970s. His voice was instrumental in defining the band’s early sound, combining heavy rock riffs with a punk spirit that resonated with a growing metal audience. Tracks like “Running Free,” “Sanctuary,” and “Wrathchild” became staples in the Iron Maiden catalog, laying the foundation for their future success.
However, despite Iron Maiden’s meteoric rise, Di’Anno’s time with the band was short-lived. By 1981, Di’Anno left the group, replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who would become the band’s longtime vocalist. Di’Anno admitted in later interviews that his wild lifestyle and constant partying had taken a toll on his relationship with the band. “I was already a fairly excessive character, but there I really went for it,” Di’Anno reflected in a 2004 interview, acknowledging that it wasn’t fair to the band, the fans, or himself.
Even after his departure from Iron Maiden, Di’Anno remained an influential figure in the metal world. He went on to form and front several other bands, including Battlezone, Killers, and Gogmagog, and continued to release solo material. His aggressive and raw vocals became a hallmark of his career, inspiring future metal giants like Metallica, Pantera, and Sepultura.
In recent years, Di’Anno’s health began to decline, exacerbated by severe lymphedema, a condition that left him confined to a wheelchair for performances. Despite his health challenges, Di’Anno continued to entertain fans, performing over 100 shows from 2023 onward while seated, including festivals and larger shows. In 2022, Iron Maiden helped fund his medical bills for knee surgery, and Di’Anno expressed immense gratitude to his former bandmates.
A career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast, was released in September 2024, featuring highlights from his post-Maiden recordings, including reworked versions of classic Iron Maiden tracks like “Wrathchild” and “Tomorrow.” The release served as a fitting tribute to a career filled with highs and lows but never lacking in passion or energy.
Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s bassist and founder, reflected on Di’Anno’s passing with a personal message, noting that he had recently been in touch with Di’Anno about their shared love of West Ham United Football Club. “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,” Harris said.