Paul Di’Anno, the lead singer on Iron Maiden’s first two albums, has passed away at the age of 66 after battling illness for several years. He fronted the band from 1978 to 1981 and sang on their self-titled debut and the iconic follow-up, “Killers.” After leaving Iron Maiden, he went on to lead the bands Battlezone and Killers, as well as releasing solo albums. Despite health issues that confined him to a wheelchair, he performed over 100 concerts since 2023. His label, Conquest Music, confirmed his death and asked fans to remember him.
Di’Anno’s contribution to Iron Maiden’s early classics like “Running Free” and “Sanctuary” were integral to the band’s success. Reports of discord between Di’Anno, founder Steve Harris, and manager Rod Smallwood led to his departure from the band in 1981. Di’Anno denied these reports in later years, stating that his departure was due to private issues within the band. He released a career retrospective album in 2024, showcasing his contributions since leaving Iron Maiden.
Paul Di’Anno’s legacy as the original lead singer of Iron Maiden will be remembered by fans around the world. Despite his health struggles, he continued to perform and connect with his audience, leaving a lasting impact on the metal music scene.
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