Former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews, has passed away at the age of 66, as confirmed by his family on Monday, according to the Daily Mail.
Di’Anno, who lived in Salisbury, Wiltshire, gained fame as the lead singer of Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981. During his time with the iconic band, he contributed to two seminal albums: the self-titled “Iron Maiden” in 1980 and “Killers” in 1981. After his departure, he was succeeded by current frontman Bruce Dickinson.
In a statement released by Conquest Music, the family shared: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno. Paul passed away peacefully at his home in Salisbury, aged 66.”
The world has lost a true rock legend – RIP Paul Di'Anno pic.twitter.com/TnD9yUZVf9
— The Sun (@TheSun) October 21, 2024
Who was Paul Di’Anno?
Born in Chingford, East London, on May 17, 1958, Paul Di’Anno first rose to fame as the lead singer of Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981, according to a statement released by his family. He contributed to the band’s iconic debut album Iron Maiden and its influential follow-up Killers.
After parting ways with Iron Maiden, Di’Anno had an eventful career, fronting bands like Battlezone and Killers, alongside releasing several solo projects and making numerous guest appearances. Despite facing severe health challenges in recent years, which limited him to performing in a wheelchair, Di’Anno remained dedicated to his fans, performing over 100 shows since 2023.
In September 2024, his first career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast, was released, showcasing highlights from his post-Iron Maiden work.
Conquest Music, his label, expressed pride in having Di’Anno as part of their artist family, urging fans to “raise a glass in his memory” in celebration of his legacy.
Paul Di’Anno Health
Paul Di’Anno faced significant health challenges, including a severe bout of sepsis in 2015 that left him hospitalized for eight months. Despite these setbacks, Di’Anno remained committed to his music and continued performing live.
Earlier this year, he announced his retirement from touring smaller venues, though he expressed a willingness to perform at larger festivals in 2025, showing his enduring passion for connecting with his fans.
Monday 21st October 2024
— Iron Maiden (@IronMaiden) October 21, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/pqskpLPBwc
