Paul Di’Anno, former Iron Maiden singer, dies at 66
Di’Anno served as the lead singer for the iconic heavy metal band from 1978 to 1981, before being succeeded by the current vocalist, Bruce Dickinson.
Paul Di’Anno, the original lead singer of Iron Maiden on their first two albums, has passed away, according to a statement from his record label, speaking on behalf of his family. The cause of death was not disclosed, though he had battled illness for several years. He was 66 years old.
Di’Anno fronted Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981, providing vocals on their debut album and the renowned follow-up, *Killers*. He was later replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who has been the band’s lead singer ever since.
In the years following his time with Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno led the bands Battlezone and Killers, while also releasing several solo albums. Despite facing health challenges in recent years, he managed to perform over 100 concerts since 2023, according to an official announcement, which reads in full below.
“On behalf of his family, Conquest Music is saddened to confirm the passing of Paul Andrews, known professionally as Paul Di’Anno.”
Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.
Born in Chingford, East London, on May 17, 1958, Paul gained recognition as the lead singer of the English heavy metal band Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981. He provided vocals for their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden and their influential follow-up, Killers
Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno had a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances.
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, racking up well over 100 shows since 2023.
His first career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast was released in September 2024 and featured highlights of his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden.
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.”
Di’Anno was the voice behind early Iron Maiden hits like “Running Free,” “Sanctuary,” “Twilight Zone/Wrathchild,” and others. At the time of his departure in mid-1981, there were rumors of conflict between him, band founder Steve Harris, and manager Rod Smallwood, along with reports of dissatisfaction with his performances. However, Di’Anno firmly refuted these claims in recent years.
“My record speaks for itself,” he told *Rock Hard* magazine in 2022. “I’ve played more shows than Iron Maiden has ever played… So it had nothing to do with my voice. I was just frustrated with certain personal issues within the band. Maybe the way I handled them wasn’t right, but I dealt with them. And that’s all there is to say.”
