Former Iron Maiden Singer Paul Di’Anno Dead At 66
by Quentin Thane Singer · ForbesMetal vocalist Paul Paul Di'Anno who fronted the iconic metal outfit Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981 has reportedly passed away, according to the frontman’s own label Conquest Music. A statement was posted by the label today confirming Di’Anno’s death.
“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.
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.”
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Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris commented on Di’Anno’s passing on social media, stating it’s "just so sad he's gone. "At least he was still gigging until recently, it was something that kept him going, to be out there whenever he could. He will be missed by us all. Rest in peace mate."
The rest of Iron Maiden made an official statement as well which reads, "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.
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 extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest In Peace Paul.”
Paul Di’Anno fronted Iron Maiden in the band’s early years and he would go on to help produce some of their earliest hits including “Iron Maiden,” “Proweler,” and “Phantom of the Opera.” While Di’Anno was only featured on Iron Maiden’s first two albums — the band’s self titled 1980 debut and 1981’s Killers — his work is still cherished and revered by much of Iron Maiden’s fanbase, and many of his iconic songs are staples in the band’s setlist to this day.