Heavy metal icon who sang on Iron Maiden’s first two albums passes away after prolonged health struggles

Paul Di’Anno, the original lead singer of Iron Maiden and a pioneer of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, has died at the age of 66. The vocalist, who lent his distinctive voice to the band’s first two albums, passed away at his home in Salisbury, England, after battling numerous health issues over recent years.

Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews on 17 May 1958 in Chingford, East London, joined Iron Maiden in 1978. His gritty and raw vocal style became a defining feature of the band’s early sound, contributing to the success of their self-titled debut album Iron Maiden in 1980, followed by Killers in 1981. These albums, filled with Di’Anno’s powerful vocals and the band’s heavy riffs, helped solidify Iron Maiden’s place as leaders in the metal scene.

Despite his pivotal role in Maiden’s rise, Di’Anno was dismissed from the band in 1981 due to issues with drug and alcohol abuse. He was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who would go on to become the band’s most recognisable frontman. While Di’Anno’s time with the band was brief, his contribution remains deeply influential in the heavy metal genre.

Conquest Music, the label responsible for his latest releases, confirmed the sad news in an official statement: “On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno. Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.” The label went on to highlight Di’Anno’s long career after leaving Iron Maiden, noting his work with bands such as Battlezone and Killers, as well as his solo ventures.

Despite his health problems, which eventually confined him to performing in a wheelchair, Di’Anno continued to entertain fans around the world. Since 2023, he performed over 100 shows and released his first career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast, in September 2024. This collection celebrated his enduring legacy beyond his early Maiden days.

Fans and fellow musicians have expressed their condolences and admiration for Di’Anno’s contributions to metal. His gruff, no-nonsense style and energy helped Iron Maiden capture the raw spirit of the British heavy metal movement during a time of rapid transformation for the genre. While Bruce Dickinson may have led the band to its greatest heights, Di’Anno’s era remains a cherished period for Maiden purists.

After leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno carved out his own path in the music world. He formed several bands, including Battlezone, and embraced a more punk-infused style that suited his rebellious personality. His solo career was eventful, though often marred by the health problems that would later slow him down.

In recent years, Di’Anno’s fans witnessed his resilience as he continued to perform despite severe health complications. He was known to interact closely with his audience, often acknowledging the support that had sustained him through his health battles.

Di’Anno’s record label, Conquest Music, praised his indomitable spirit: “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.” The company urged fans to “raise a glass in his memory,” recognising his contribution to the music world.

As the metal community mourns the loss of Paul Di’Anno, his legacy remains immortalised in the two albums that helped launch Iron Maiden onto the global stage. His contributions to the early sound of Iron Maiden, with tracks like Phantom of the Opera and Running Free, are celebrated as classics that have shaped the identity of heavy metal.

While Bruce Dickinson’s operatic voice became synonymous with Iron Maiden’s later success, Di’Anno’s raw, punk-influenced style marked the band’s beginnings and left an indelible mark on their history. His departure from the band led to a new chapter for both Di’Anno and Iron Maiden, but his role in shaping their early years remains undeniable.

Paul Di’Anno’s passing marks the end of an era for heavy metal fans, but his music and contributions will continue to inspire future generations. His voice on those first two Iron Maiden albums captured the rebellious energy of the late 1970s metal scene, a spirit that will not be forgotten.