Paul Di’Anno, the original voice of Iron Maiden and a trailblazer in heavy metal, has passed away at 66.
At a Glance
- Paul Di’Anno, first lead singer of Iron Maiden, died at 66 in Salisbury, England.
- Di’Anno was instrumental in shaping Iron Maiden’s early sound with powerful vocals.
- Despite health issues, he released “The Book of the Beast” in 2023.
- Tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians celebrating his impact on heavy metal.
Paul Di’Anno: A Heavy Metal Pioneer
Paul Di’Anno, originally born Paul Andrews in Chingford, East London, became the first lead singer of Iron Maiden in 1978. His powerful and raw vocals were critical to defining Iron Maiden’s early sound. With landmark albums “Iron Maiden” and “Killers,” Di’Anno’s tenure from 1978 to 1981 was instrumental in propelling the band’s global fame. His presence as a frontman was pioneering, forging a path that Iron Maiden has traveled for almost five decades.
Despite facing health challenges, Di’Anno’s passion for music never waned. He released “The Book of the Beast” in 2023, collaborating with artists from Black Sabbath, Dragonforce, and Crowley. His willingness to perform over 100 shows in a wheelchair since 2023 showcased his unwavering dedication to his craft and fans. Di’Anno’s legacy continues to influence and inspire the heavy metal community and beyond.
Monday 21st October 2024
We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di'Anno earlier today. 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… pic.twitter.com/pqskpLPBwc
— Iron Maiden (@IronMaiden) October 21, 2024
A Legacy Celebrated
Iron Maiden has acknowledged Di’Anno’s immense contribution to their success. The band released a heartfelt statement, saying, “Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been traveling 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.”
Iron Maiden also shared a photo of Di’Anno with bassist Steve Harris from their 2022 tour, emphasizing the bond shared between past and present band members. Steve Harris expressed sorrow over Di’Anno’s passing, recalling their recent communications and reminiscing about their time together.
Tributes from the Music Community
Conquest Music, Di’Anno’s record label, expressed their pride in having him as part of their artist family. They released a statement urging fans to remember him fondly: “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.” Many in the music community have commemorated his legacy and influence.
As fans around the world pay tribute, Di’Anno’s impact on the genre continues to resonate. His collaborations and performances reflect a lifelong dedication to heavy metal. His loss will be felt deeply, but his innovative spirit and contributions to music endure.
