Paul Di’Anno, the original front man for heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 66.
His record label, Conquest Music, confirmed the news on behalf of his family in a Facebook post that he died at his home in Salisbury, England.
“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,” the company wrote.
No cause of death was announced but his label noted that despite Di’Anno experiencing “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.”
Born Paul Andrews in Chingford, East London, on May 17, 1958, the musician is best known as the original front man of Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981. He featured on the band’s debut album “Iron Maiden,” followed by their second release “Killers.” In 1981, Bruce Dickinson replaced Di’Anno as Iron Maiden’s lead singer.
Since leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno fronted bands Battlezone and Killers and released multiple solo albums.
In an interview earlier this year with The Metal Voice, Di’Anno discussed his health problems and gave an update on his knee after undergoing major surgery in Croatia almost two years ago.
“I spend a lot of time in isolation, especially where I live because I live out in the countryside and I don’t get many people come to visit. I’ve been really ill the last couple of months with infection after infection after infection, because I caught pneumonia last year in Mexico. I was over there doing physio after I finished a tour,” he said in the interview.
Di’Anno was set to perform in the UK for his “Beast Resurrection Tour” before news of his death was announced. He released in September his most recent album, “The Book of the Beast,” which featured highlights of his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden, according to his label.
His former bandmates paid tribute to Di’Anno on Instagram sharing a photo of the singer and founding member and bassist Steve Harris, saying they were “all deeply saddened” by his death.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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,” the statement adds. “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.”
Harris added a message in the statement saying “it’s just so sad he’s gone.”
“I was in touch with him only recently as we texted each other about West Ham and their ups and downs. 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.”
His label said they were “proud to have had Paul Di’Anno in our artist family” and requested his “legion of fans to raise a glass in his memory.”
A documentary about his life is scheduled to debut at film festivals in early 2025, according to filmmaker Wes Orshoski.