The death has been announced of the former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno, who sang on the band's first two albums. He was 66 and had suffered ill health for a number of years but had continued to perform.
The death of Di'Anno, born Paul Andrews, was announced in a statement by his label, Conquest Music.
The statement read: "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."
In their tribute posted on social media, Iron Maiden said: "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. 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."
The band's founding bassist, Steve Harris, continued: "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."
Monday 21st October 2024
— Iron Maiden (@IronMaiden) October 21, 2024
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. His pioneering presence as a… pic.twitter.com/pqskpLPBwc
"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," Iron Maiden's statement concluded. "On behalf of the band, Rod (Smallwood, manager) and Andy (Taylor, co-manager), and the whole Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul's family and close friends. Rest In Peace, Paul."
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