Singer Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden) dies at age 66

Paul Di'Anno's cause of death not confirmed

Goodbye to a legend

Paul Di'Anno, the former lead singer of the legendary band Iron Maiden, has died unexpectedly at the age of 66.

Confirmed by his representative

His manager, Stjepan Juras, confirmed the news in a statement: "On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di'Anno."

Paul Di'Anno's cause of death not confirmed

The representative has not confirmed the cause of death but did state that the singer died at his home in Salisbury (United Kingdom).

Four years with 'Iron Maiden'

Paul Di'Anno was the vocalist of Iron Maiden between 1977 and 1981, providing vocals for the band's first two albums: 'Iron Maiden' (1980) and 'Killers' (1981).

Key to the rise of heavy metal

Along with Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden laid the foundations for heavy metal's success, which reached its peak in the 1980s. By that time, Paul Di'Anno was no longer in the band.

He paid the price for his excesses

The reason for Di'Anno's departure from Iron Maiden was related to his excessive use of substances and drinks. It got to the point that he could barely finish some of their shows.

The tour that broke the camel's back

The band's 1981 tour of Japan was especially hard. The group decided that Paul Di'Anno had to leave. As fate would have it, Bruce D i c k i n s o n arrived just in time to record 'The Number of the Beast'. It was that album that turned Iron Maiden into a famous representative of the metal genre.

Success continued without Iron Maiden

Paul Di'Anno continued his career outside of Iron Maiden with bands such as 'Battlezone' or 'Killers'. He also carried out several solo projects.

On stage until the last day

Despite his delicate health, as he was confined to a wheelchair, Paul Di'Anno kept performing until his final days.

Recent album

His last album, released with the band Warhorse in 2024, was a compilation called 'The Book of the Beast', where he gathered the best music of his post-Iron Maiden career.

Saying goodbye to a friend

His record label, BraveWords Records, has praised the late singer with a loving message: "It was an honor to work with Paul on the Warhorse album for BraveWords Records," it states on Facebook. "We are extremely saddened to hear of his passing. Paul will remain a true legend in the world of heavy metal."

Photo: BraveWords Records / Facebook

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