Former Iron Maiden Lead Vocalist Dead at 66
Former Iron Maiden lead singer Paul Andrews, better known by his stage name Paul Di’Anno, died at the age of 66 at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire, his family announced on Monday.
Di’Anno performed with the English heavy metal band from 1978 to 1981, during which time the band released two albums, Iron Maiden in 1980 and Killers in 1981. However, after Di'Anno began demonstrating erratic behavior due to his drug use, he was replaced by current singer Bruce Dickinson in 1981, who still performs with Iron Maiden to this day.
In a statement via The Daily Mail, Di’Anno's record label Conquest Music confirmed his passing on behalf of his family.
"Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno had a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances," the label wrote. "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."
"His first career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast was released in September 2024 and featured highlights of his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden," the statement continued. "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."
Di'Anno released dozens of albums over the years, both as a solo artist and as a member of the aforementioned bands, as well as other band including Rockfellas Gogmagog, and most recently, Warhorse.
Following the news of his passing, Iron Maiden likewise released a statement paying tribute to Di'Anno.
"Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling [sic] as a band for almost five decades," the band wrote. "His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world."
Iron Maiden songwriter and bassist Steve Harris noted: "It’s just so sad he’s gone. 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."
"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," the band added. "Rest In Peace Paul."
Di'Anno was married five times throughout his life and was the father of six children.