Paul Di’Anno, known for being the first vocalist of the legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden, passed away at the age of 66. The news was confirmed this Monday by his family through a statement on social media. Di’Anno, whose real name was Paul Andrews, left an indelible mark on the history of metal during his time with the band.
The singer is especially remembered for his work on the first two albums of Iron Maiden. The statement issued by his family expressed their sorrow: "We regret to confirm the passing of Paul Andrews, known professionally as Paul Di'Anno. Despite his health problems, he continued to connect with his fans until the end of his life, offering over 100 performances since 2023."
The legendary first vocalist of Iron Maiden, Paul Di'Anno, has passed away.
Di'Anno had been facing serious health problems in recent years, including respiratory issues and surgeries on his knees that forced him to use a wheelchair. Paul Di'Anno was a key figure in the early stage of Iron Maiden, being the vocalist who helped define the band's raw and aggressive sound in its beginnings.
He joined the band in 1978 and his vocal style, characterized by his energy and attitude, was a cornerstone in the creation of the early albums. However, in 1981, due to personal issues and drug addiction, he was replaced by Bruce Dickinson.
Despite his departure from Iron Maiden, Di'Anno continued a prolific musical career, forming bands like Battlezone and Killers, as well as releasing several solo albums. Over the years, although he did not achieve the same commercial success as with Iron Maiden, he maintained a loyal fan base and continued to perform concerts worldwide.
A strong blow to the world of rock
The impact of his legacy was recognized by the band Iron Maiden themselves, who, through a post on their social media, expressed their sadness at the news: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul. His contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and he will always be remembered as a key figure in our early days."
Di’Anno will always be remembered as one of the iconic voices of heavy metal and his role in the early success of Iron Maiden. His vocal style and rebellious attitude left an indelible mark on the genre and in the hearts of his fans.