Paul Di’Anno, who was a lead singer for Iron Maiden in the early days, has passed away at the age of 66. The UK-based record label, Conquest Music, confirmed his death and mentioned that he had been struggling with severe health issues in recent years.
Iron Maiden expressed their deep sorrow at the loss in a social media post. They acknowledged Di’Anno’s significant contribution to the band and how he played a crucial role in shaping their journey over the past five decades. His presence as a frontman and vocalist on their first two albums left a lasting impact on both the band and their global fanbase.
Born as Paul Andrews, Di’Anno fronted Iron Maiden for four years and was part of the albums “Iron Maiden” and “Killers.” Although he left the band in 1981, he continued to pursue his musical career with various groups like Di’Anno, Battlezone, and Killers.
Despite his health challenges, Di’Anno remained dedicated to his fans and performed over 100 shows since 2023, often in a wheelchair. Steve Harris, a founding member of Iron Maiden, shared his sadness over Di’Anno’s passing and mentioned how they had recently exchanged text messages about their shared interest in West Ham. Harris highlighted that Di’Anno’s passion for performing live kept him going and that he will be dearly missed by everyone.
The legacy of Paul Di’Anno will be remembered not just for his time with Iron Maiden but also for his resilience and commitment to music despite his health struggles. His impact on the heavy metal genre and his influence on future generations of musicians will continue to resonate for years to come. Rest in peace, Paul Di’Anno.
