Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno has died at the age of 66, his family announced on Monday.
Paul Andrews, better known by his stage name Di’Anno, passed away at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
He fronted the band for the two albums titled Iron Maiden in 1980 and Killers in 1981 – before being replaced by current vocalist Bruce Dickinson.
A statement announcing his death read: ‘On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno.
‘Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.’
It continued: ‘Born in Chingford, East London, on 17th May 1958, Paul first came to prominence as lead singer of English Heavy Metal band Iron Maiden, between 1978 and 1981.
‘He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden, and the influential follow up release, 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.’
Paul left the band in 1981 after developing a crippling fondness for cocaine.
He said previously of the habit: ‘It wasn’t just that I was snorting a bit of coke; I was just going for it non-stop 24 hours a day every day.
The band had commitments piling up and I just couldn’t see my way to the end of it.’
Established in 1975 in the East End of London Iron Maiden have, over the course of 17 studio albums, more than 110 million records sold.
They have become one of the greatest and most influential British rock bands of all time.
The current members of Iron Maiden released a statement reading: ‘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 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.’
It continued: ‘We were very grateful to have had the chance to catch up a couple of years ago and to spend time with him once more.
‘On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the whole Iron Maiden team, we exten
Leave a Reply