Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno has died at the age of 66, the band announced in a message posted to social media.
Di’Anno was the group’s lead vocalist from 1978 to 1981 and recorded two albums with the heavy metal outfit, including 1980’s self-titled debut and 1981’s Killers. After struggling with substance abuse, he was replaced by current vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who joined the band on 1982’s The Number of the Beast.
No cause of death was given, but he had been battling “severe health issues in recent years.”
“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 band shared in a statement. “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.”
In a message shared to X, the band’s bassist Steve Harris said it was “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,” Harris said.
In a statement published by the Daily Mail, Di’Anno’s family and record label Conquest Music encouraged “his legion of fans to raise a glass in his memory.
“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,” the statement continued. “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.”
They also pointed to a career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast, that was released last month and features “highlights of his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden.”
Per the Mail, Di’Anno said his drug addiction cost him his gig as Iron Maiden’s frontman.
“It wasn’t just that I was snorting a bit of coke; I was just going for it non-stop 24 hours a day every day,” he said. “The band had commitments piling up and I just couldn’t see my way to the end of it.”
The news of Di’Anno death comes as the band — which is fronted by Dickinson, and consisting of Harris, guitarists Dave Murray, Janick Gers and Adrian Smith, and drummer Nicko McBrain — gets set to play Scotiabank Arena on Saturday.