Paul Di’Anno, the lead singer of Iron Maiden on their first two albums, has passed away at the age of 66. His family revealed that he had been dealing with severe health issues in recent years. Born Paul Andrews in London on May 17, 1958, Di’Anno joined Iron Maiden in 1978 and contributed vocals to their debut album, “Iron Maiden,” and the follow-up, “Killers.” He was dismissed from the band in 1981 due to substance abuse and was replaced by Bruce Dickinson.
After leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno pursued a solo career and collaborated with various bands. Despite his health struggles, he continued to perform for his fans around the world, even performing in a wheelchair. His record label, Conquest Music, confirmed his passing and paid tribute to his legacy in the music industry.
Iron Maiden also released a statement expressing their sadness at Di’Anno’s passing and acknowledging his significant contribution to the band. They fondly remembered his time with them and extended their condolences to his family and friends. Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s founder, shared his sorrow over the loss of Di’Anno and emphasized the impact he had on the band’s early years.
Paul Di’Anno’s influence on the heavy metal genre and his role in shaping Iron Maiden’s sound will always be remembered by fans worldwide. His legacy as a frontman and vocalist will live on through his music and performances.