The Music World Mourns the Loss of Paul Di’Anno, Former Iron Maiden Frontman
The music world is in mourning as Paul Di’Anno, the original frontman of the legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 66. Conquest Music, the label representing Di’Anno, confirmed the news in an official statement on October 21, 2024, although the immediate cause of death has not been announced. “On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno,” the statement reads. “Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.”
Born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Di’Anno rose to prominence as Iron Maiden’s lead singer from 1978 to 1981. He was the voice behind the band’s self-titled debut album, Iron Maiden (1980), and its influential follow-up, Killers (1981). His raw and aggressive vocal style combined metal, punk, and progressive rock elements, contributing to the band’s rapid ascent in the heavy metal scene. Iron Maiden’s early hits, including “Phantom of the Opera,” “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” and “Wrathchild,” showcased Di’Anno’s unique talent and have become fan favorites.
Despite his significant contributions to Iron Maiden, Di’Anno’s tenure with the band was cut short due to personal struggles and tensions with band members. He played his final show with Iron Maiden on September 10, 1981, in Copenhagen, Denmark. “I don’t blame them for getting rid of me,” he stated in a 2020 interview. “I couldn’t give 100 percent to Maiden anymore, and it wasn’t fair to the band, the fans, or to myself.”
Following his departure, Di’Anno continued his music career with several short-lived projects, including Battlezone and Killers, and launched a successful solo career. His personal life was fraught with legal and health issues, including a 2011 conviction for benefit fraud and severe health complications that confined him to a wheelchair in recent years. Despite these challenges, he performed over 100 shows since 2023. “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,” Conquest Music reported.
In September 2024, Di’Anno released his first career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast, which spotlighted his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden. He was also in the process of creating an upcoming documentary about his life, produced by Wes Orshoski, known for the 2010 film about Lemmy of Motörhead.
Conquest Music expressed pride in having Di’Anno as part of their artist family, stating, “We ask his legion of fans to raise a glass in his memory.” His legacy in the heavy metal genre is undeniable, with his contributions being revered by fans and fellow musicians alike. “The two albums I made with the band were pivotal [to the metal genre],” Di’Anno reflected in 2020, noting the influence his work had on iconic bands like Metallica and Pantera.
As fans worldwide pay tribute to the music legend, Paul Di’Anno’s voice and impact on the heavy metal scene will forever be remembered.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.