The heavy metal singer, who passed away at 66 in October, died from a “tear in the sac” around his heart, according to an official statement.

The cause of death for Paul Di’Anno, the former frontman of iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has been revealed following his passing in October at the age of 66. Di’Anno, known for his powerful voice and contribution to Iron Maiden’s early success, died at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire. The official announcement on his social media page stated that his death was due to a “tear in the sac” around his heart, a condition known as pericardial rupture, which can lead to severe complications.

Di’Anno’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of heavy metal music. The singer was instrumental in shaping the sound of Iron Maiden during its early years, lending his distinctive voice to the band’s first two albums, Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981). His raw, energetic vocal style helped to define the band’s sound during their formative years, and his departure in 1981 marked the beginning of a new era for the band with Bruce Dickinson taking over as lead vocalist.

Despite leaving Iron Maiden at the peak of their early success, Di’Anno remained an influential figure in the heavy metal scene. He went on to pursue a solo career, releasing several albums and maintaining a loyal fanbase. Throughout his life, he continued to perform, occasionally revisiting Iron Maiden’s classic tracks in his live shows.

His death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans and musicians alike, with many remembering him for his pioneering role in the heavy metal movement. Tributes have also poured in from former bandmates and other members of the rock community, who spoke of his impact on the genre and his larger-than-life personality.

The announcement of Di’Anno’s cause of death comes as a further shock to his fans, who were already mourning the loss of a legend in the metal world. The singer’s health had been a concern in recent years, with reports of ongoing medical issues, including a long battle with knee problems that required multiple surgeries. Despite these struggles, Di’Anno continued to perform and was even planning a return to the stage before his sudden death.

In the wake of his passing, Iron Maiden’s official social media pages also shared their condolences, acknowledging the profound impact Di’Anno had on the band’s early sound and the heavy metal genre as a whole.

Fans have continued to share memories and tributes to Di’Anno across social media, celebrating his legacy and the unforgettable role he played in the birth of one of the most influential bands in rock history. His voice, once described as a driving force behind Iron Maiden’s rise to fame, will remain a defining part of the band’s early catalogue, immortalising him in the annals of heavy metal history.