Paul Di’Anno, Former Iron Maiden Vocalist, Dies at 66

Paul Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews, was the voice behind Iron Maiden’s first two iconic albums, Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981). His raw energy and powerful vocals helped catapult the band to international fame, with notable stops in the U.S. and Japan, where they recorded the live album Maiden Japan, earning them their first gold record.

Despite his early success, Di’Anno’s time with Iron Maiden was cut short due to struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, which took a toll on his physical and mental health. His increasingly erratic behavior led to his departure from the band in 1981.

Even after leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno remained active in the music world. He fronted several bands, including Paul Di’Anno’s Battlezone and later Killers, before pursuing a solo career. However, his later years were plagued by serious health problems. These challenges were so severe that Di’Anno had to perform in a wheelchair during some of his final shows. Yet, his passion for music never wavered, as he continued to perform in over 100 shows since 2023.

Despite his tumultuous exit from Iron Maiden, the band stepped in to support Di’Anno during his health struggles. Di’Anno revealed that the band helped cover the costs of his medical treatments when his own funds ran dry. “The last part they did, because I ran out of money. It has been very expensive,” he said, adding that he would be “eternally grateful” for their support.

Rest in peace, legend!