SALISBURY, UK — Metal vocalist and former lead singer of legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden Paul Di'Anno has died at age 66, the singer's label announced on Oct. 21.
Di'Anno's label, Conquest Music, announced the singer's death on behalf of his family in a post on his social media account. The label said Di'Anno, whose real name was Paul Andrews, died at his home in Salisbury, United Kingdom.
Di'Anno rose to fame with Iron Maiden as their lead singer from 1978-1981, singing on their first two albums, the self-titled "Iron Maiden" and it's follow-up "Killers". He was the voice behind early hits such as "Wrathchild", "Phantom of the Opera" and "Murders in the Rue Morgue".
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Following his time with Iron Maiden, Di'Anno had a "long and eventful recording career", stated Conquest Music, as a founding member of the bands Battlezone and Killers, as well as "numerous" solo releases and guest appearances.
Conquest Music stated Di'Anno had faced severe health issues in recent years, which left him restricted to a wheelchair, however, he continued performing, playing over 100 shows around the world since 2023, the label said.
"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," the label said in the announcement.
Iron Maiden also paid tribute to their former bandmate in an announcement on their website.
"We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today," the band stated. "Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades. 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. 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. Rest In Peace Paul."
“It’s just so sad he’s gone,” Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris said. “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. He will be missed by us all. Rest in peace mate.”