The rock and heavy metal community is mourning the loss of Paul Di’Anno, the original vocalist for Iron Maiden, who passed away at age 66 in October at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire. A statement on Di’Anno’s official Facebook page confirmed that his death was caused by a tear in the protective sac around his heart, leading to an internal blood buildup that caused his heart to stop. His sisters, Cheryl and Michelle, revealed that his passing was immediate and likely painless, allowing him a peaceful departure. Fans, family, and fellow musicians honored his legacy at a tribute event held in Camden’s Underworld, where his musical journey was celebrated in a memorable setlist.
Born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, Di’Anno grew up in East London, working various jobs to support himself, including stints as a butcher and a chef. His passion for music led him to the heavy metal scene, where he performed with several bands before joining Iron Maiden in 1978. The band, formed three years earlier by bassist and songwriter Steve Harris, brought Di’Anno on board after a fateful encounter at the Red Lion pub. Di’Anno’s gritty, powerful voice became an essential part of Iron Maiden’s early sound, providing a unique edge that set the band apart in the heavy metal world. Harris praised Di’Anno’s “raspiness,” which contributed to the iconic sound of Iron Maiden’s first two albums.
Di’Anno’s vocals are immortalized on Iron Maiden’s 1980 self-titled debut album and their follow-up, Killers, released in 1981. These albums cemented the band’s influence in the metal scene and showcased Di’Anno’s raw vocal talent. However, as Iron Maiden’s fame grew, the relentless pace of touring and recording began to clash with Di’Anno’s struggles with addiction. Reflecting on that time, Di’Anno admitted to heavy drug use, explaining that the intense lifestyle made it hard for him to keep up with the band’s schedule. Ultimately, his addiction issues led to his departure in 1981 as Iron Maiden sought stability and reliability to support their growing success.
After leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno pursued other musical projects, forming his own band, Di’Anno, in 1983 and later joining groups like Gogmagog, Battlezone, Praying Mantis, and Killers. Despite facing significant health challenges in his later years, Di’Anno remained dedicated to his music. He continued performing, even while confined to a wheelchair, and managed to play over 100 shows since 2023. In 2021, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to help him cover medical expenses for knee surgery, highlighting his resilience and the unwavering support of his fans.
In September 2024, Di’Anno released The Book of the Beast, a career-spanning retrospective album that showcased his post-Iron Maiden recordings. This collection allowed fans to experience highlights from his long and storied musical journey. Remembered for his powerful stage presence and unfiltered authenticity, Paul Di’Anno leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond his time with Iron Maiden. His influence and contributions to heavy metal are cherished by fans around the world, who honor his memory as a trailblazer and a true rock legend.
