Highlights
- Paul Di’Anno, Iron Maiden’s original vocalist, dies at 66.
- He struggled with health problems and performed in a wheelchair.
- Di’Anno sang on Iron Maiden’s first two albums, Iron Maiden and Killers.
- He left Iron Maiden due to substance abuse and personal issues.
- He later fronted bands like Battlezone and Killers.
- Paul faced jail time for violence, drugs, and firearms offenses.
- He continued performing despite health challenges, including sepsis.
- Iron Maiden praised his lasting contribution to their success.
Paul Di’Anno, the former frontman for the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has passed away at 66 after dealing with severe health challenges.
Despite his struggles, Di’Anno continued to entertain fans worldwide, performing over 100 shows in the last year, even from a wheelchair.
Born Paul Andrews in Chingford, east London, he rose to fame with his energetic voice, singing on Iron Maiden’s first two albums, Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981).
Di’Anno’s time with Iron Maiden ended due to personal struggles, including substance abuse. “It wasn’t just snorting a bit of coke… I was going for it 24 hours a day,” he admitted.
The band eventually replaced him with Bruce Dickinson, but Di’Anno’s legacy remains strong. Iron Maiden paid tribute, stating that his contribution to their early success will always be remembered.
After Iron Maiden, Di’Anno formed several bands like Battlezone and Killers, releasing music that showed his ongoing passion for metal.
However, his life wasn’t without difficulties—he served jail time for various offenses, including assault and drug charges. He regretted his past behavior, saying, “My biggest regrets are those domestic violence incidents.”
In recent years, Di’Anno faced serious health problems, including knee injuries and a life-threatening bout of sepsis in 2015.
Despite these setbacks, his love for performing never wavered, although he recently announced plans to step back from smaller tours.
His label, Conquest Music, confirmed his passing at his home in Salisbury.
