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Original Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno dies

3 min read

Paul Di’Anno, the original frontman of the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has passed away at the age of 66. Known for his distinctive voice and energetic stage presence, Di’Anno was a crucial figure in shaping the band’s early sound and establishing them as a key player in the new wave of British heavy metal.

Born Paul Andrews in Chingford, East London, in 1958, Di’Anno began his musical journey as a teenager, performing with various bands while working as a butcher and chef. In 1977, he met bassist Steve Harris, who was searching for a singer for his emerging band. After auditioning, Di’Anno joined Iron Maiden, marking the beginning of a legendary partnership.

The band’s sound during this period was a unique blend of punk rock intensity and classic rock riffs, which stood out during the punk rock explosion of the late 1970s. Their early struggles to secure gigs outside London led them to create a demo tape known as the Soundhouse Tapes. This three-track recording quickly gained traction, selling around 5,000 copies through mail orders and helping them cultivate a dedicated fan base.

In 1979, Iron Maiden signed a record deal with EMI, leading to the release of their self-titled debut album. Although it was recorded hastily, the album made a significant impact on the heavy metal genre, peaking at number four on the UK album charts in April 1980. The success of the single “Running Free” further propelled the band into the spotlight, earning them a coveted appearance on the popular music show Top of the Pops.

Their follow-up album, 1981’s “Killers,” showcased a harder sound and solidified their reputation. However, after a world tour, Di’Anno’s time with Iron Maiden came to an end. He later reflected on this period, admitting that his lifestyle choices, which included excessive partying, took a toll on his health and professional commitments. He acknowledged that his behavior wasn’t fair to the band, their fans, or himself.

In the wake of Di’Anno’s departure, Bruce Dickinson took over as lead vocalist, and Iron Maiden continued to rise to unprecedented heights with genre-defining hits like “Run to the Hills” and “Can I Play With Madness.” Despite the transition, Di’Anno maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing that he never harbored resentment toward his former bandmates or Dickinson. He clarified in a recent interview that the notion of animosity between them was largely a fabrication of the press.

Following his exit from Iron Maiden, Di’Anno’s influence continued to resonate in the metal community, with bands such as Metallica, Pantera, and Sepultura citing his raw vocal style as an inspiration. He embarked on a solo career and collaborated with several bands, including Gogmagog, Battlezone, and Praying Mantis.

In later years, Di’Anno faced serious health challenges, including lymphedema, which required him to perform in a wheelchair. His health struggles did not dampen his passion for music; he maintained an active touring schedule, playing over 100 shows in 2023 and 2024. Support from fans enabled him to undergo significant knee surgery in Croatia in 2022, allowing him to continue performing.

Recently, a retrospective album titled “The Book of the Beast” was released, featuring highlights from his solo career alongside reimagined versions of classic Iron Maiden tracks like “Tomorrow” and “Wrathchild.” Additionally, a documentary detailing his life and career is set to premiere at the end of the year.

Following the announcement of his passing, Iron Maiden’s current members expressed their deep sadness, with Harris stating that Di’Anno’s contributions were “immense” and would be fondly remembered by fans worldwide. Record label Conquest Music, on behalf of Di’Anno’s family, confirmed his death, which occurred at his home in Salisbury, though no cause was disclosed.

As fans and fellow musicians mourn his loss, Di’Anno’s legacy as a pioneering vocalist and a vibrant force in heavy metal will undoubtedly endure. His influence on the genre and the impact he had on Iron Maiden will be remembered for years to come. Rest in peace, Paul Di’Anno.

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