Paul Di’Anno, Iron Maiden’s lead singer from 1978 to 1981, has sadly passed away in England, at age 66 on October 21, 2024.

No cause of death was given, though the statement mentioned that Di’Anno had been “troubled by severe health issues in recent years that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair.” Despite his health struggles, Di’Anno continued to perform and inspire fans around the world, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of heavy metal.

“My record stands for itself,” he told Rock Hard magazine in 2022. “I’ve played more shows than Iron Maiden have ever played…

Steve Harris & Paul Di'Anno. Credit: Stjepan Juras — Steve Harris & Paul Di’Anno. Credit: Stjepan Juras

Early Life and Joining Iron Maiden

Paul Di’Anno was born on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, England. Raised in East London, Di’Anno was influenced by a variety of musical genres, including punk rock, metal, and even reggae.

His vocal style was raw and aggressive, yet versatile, making him the perfect frontman for a band like Iron Maiden, which was then emerging as a force in the burgeoning British heavy metal scene.

Di’Anno joined Iron Maiden in 1978 after a chance encounter with bassist and bandleader Steve Harris. His gritty, powerful vocals helped define the band’s early sound and set the tone for their rise to fame.

Together, they created music that was more than just aggressive—it was innovative, combining punk energy with the technical precision of heavy metal.

Iron Maiden’s Early Success: Two Iconic Albums

Di’Anno’s time with Iron Maiden may have been brief, but it was essential in shaping the band’s legacy. He sang on the band’s self-titled debut album, Iron Maiden (1980), which is now considered one of the most influential albums in heavy metal history. Tracks like “Running Free,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and “Sanctuary” showcased Di’Anno’s unique vocal approach, which blended punk’s raw energy with heavy metal’s intensity.

Iron Maiden First Album Cover Art — Iron Maiden First Album

Iron Maiden Second Album 'Killers' Cover Art — Iron Maiden Second Album ‘Killers’

His work on the follow-up album, Killers (1981), further cemented his place in metal history. With songs like “Wrathchild” and “Murders in the Rue Morgue,” Di’Anno’s voice continued to be a defining factor in the band’s sound.

However, by the time Killers was released, Di’Anno was already facing personal struggles, particularly with substance abuse, which would eventually lead to his departure from Iron Maiden later that year. In September 1981, he was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who has remained the band’s frontman ever since.

Post-Iron Maiden Career

Although Di’Anno’s time with Iron Maiden was over, his musical career was far from finished. After leaving the band, he went on to front several other groups, including Battlezone and Killers (aptly named after the Iron Maiden album). These projects allowed him to explore different musical styles while still staying true to his metal roots.

With Battlezone, Di’Anno released two well-received albums, Fighting Back (1986) and Children of Madness (1987), showcasing a more melodic side to his singing. His work with Killers in the 1990s further established his reputation as a metal vocalist, with albums like Murder One (1992) and Menace to Society (1994).

Di’Anno also pursued a solo career, releasing a number of albums that demonstrated his wide range of influences, from punk rock to metal. His solo records, such as The Worlds First Iron Man (1997) and Nomad (2000), were well received by fans who appreciated his distinctive voice and relentless passion for music.

Paul Di'Anno at the 2013 Hard Rock Hell festival in Pwllheli, Wales — **Paul Di’Anno at the 2013 Hard Rock Hell festival in Pwllheli, Wales** / Getty Images

Struggles and Perseverance

Throughout his career, Di’Anno faced numerous personal and health challenges. He battled addiction issues, which not only affected his time with Iron Maiden but also impacted his later projects. Despite these struggles, Di’Anno never gave up on music. Even in his later years, as health problems became more severe, he continued to perform around the world, defying the odds.

Paul Di'Anno performing live in a wheelchair — Paul Di’Anno performing live in a wheelchair

By 2020, Di’Anno was performing in a wheelchair due to his health issues, yet he continued to tour and connect with fans. His resilience was remarkable—despite announcing a semi-retirement in 2020, he went on to perform more than 100 concerts since 2023. This determination to keep playing live until the end exemplified Di’Anno’s dedication to his craft and his fans.

Legacy in Heavy Metal

Paul Di’Anno’s contribution to heavy metal music cannot be overstated. His raw and energetic vocal style was key to Iron Maiden’s early success, and he helped shape the sound of a band that would go on to become one of the most influential in the history of metal. Many fans still regard his performances on Iron Maiden and Killers as some of the best in the band’s extensive catalog.

His work beyond Iron Maiden also demonstrated his versatility and passion for music. Whether fronting other bands or releasing solo projects, Di’Anno remained a beloved figure in the metal community.

His influence can be seen in countless vocalists who followed in his footsteps, blending the rebellious attitude of punk with the precision of metal.

Rest in Peace Paul 🙏