Paul Di’Anno, the journeyman heavy metal vocalist best known for fronting Iron Maiden in their early years, has died aged 66. His label Conquest Music confirmed that he died at home in Salisbury, adding: “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.”

Born Paul Andrews in Chingford, east London, to a Brazilian father and British mother, Di’Anno joined the nascent Iron Maiden after an audition in November 1978, the band having been formed by bassist Steve Harris three years earlier.

Iron Maiden had already gone through two frontmen, and Di’Anno was initially unimpressed: “Their old singer had this silly sword and fake blood dripping from his mouth and me and my mate were pissing ourselves laughing,” he later said. “But when we started playing together it just seemed to gel.” In another interview, he explained: “The Maiden boys were lovely young people you could have introduced to your nan. She would have loved them. But if she’d met me, she’d have died of a heart attack within a minute … I brought them madness and an over-the-top aspect.”

Deploying an impressively forthright and raunchy holler, Di’Anno sang on the band’s 1980 self-titled debut which reached No 4 in the UK charts, as well as its follow-up in 1981, Killers. These albums became cornerstones of the new wave of British heavy metal, establishing Iron Maiden as a force to be reckoned with. Di’Anno’s raw and powerful vocals became synonymous with the band's early sound, captivating fans with his stage presence and aggressive delivery.

By his own admission, though, Di’Anno had issues with substance use. “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 later said. “I just couldn’t see my way to the end of it.” He had also described personality clashes with Harris. He was fired after the world tour for Killers, and replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who (aside from most of the 1990s) has been the band’s frontman ever since. Dickinson brought his own distinctive vocal style to the band, but Di’Anno's legacy as the voice of Iron Maiden's early years remained etched in the minds of fans.

Iron Maiden have paid tribute to Di’Anno, writing: “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.”

Despite the departure, Di'Anno continued his music career, embarking on a journey that spanned numerous projects and bands. His music after Iron Maiden might not have reached the same heights of commercial success, but it reflected his unwavering passion for heavy metal. Di’Anno continued to tour, release solo albums, and collaborate with various artists, proving his enduring influence on the music scene.

Di’Anno forged ahead with his own music, first with a self-titled project, then the equally short-lived supergroup Gogmagog, including former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr and future guitarist Janick Gers. His next band, Battlezone, fared better, releasing two studio albums in 1986 and 1987. He also fronted heavy metallers Praying Mantis, before forming another new band, Killers, who also released two studio albums. Further projects included the groups Nomad and RockFellas. Di'Anno's unwavering commitment to music, evident in his prolific output, solidified his reputation as a dedicated musician who constantly sought new creative avenues.

Despite a career marred by personal struggles, Di'Anno's music continued to resonate with fans. He was a larger-than-life figure, known for his fiery stage presence and unwavering passion for heavy metal. In recent years, he continued to tour and perform, captivating audiences with his energy and charisma. Di'Anno's ability to connect with fans remained strong, demonstrating his lasting impact on the heavy metal scene.

He was jailed in the US in the early 1990s after assaulting a girlfriend with a knife, later saying: “My biggest regrets are those domestic violence incidents in my past, I’m really ashamed of them. But then jail was the thing that eventually made me start to sort my life out so there was some good in it.” He was also charged with drug and firearms offences, later saying: “I did a couple of stints in jail for guns and drugs”​. He was banned from touring in the US for a number of years.

He later sustained knee injuries from an onstage accident as well as motorcycling, and began using a wheelchair. In 2011 he was jailed for nine months for benefit fraud, after informing the Department for Work and Pensions he was unable to work, while continuing to perform live around the world. His lawyer said at the time: “He was obsessed with music and performing. He is very naive in terms of business matters and has no formal education.”

Di’Anno suffered further illness, including an eight-month spell in hospital due to sepsis in 2015. But he continued to perform live, announcing his retirement from touring smaller venues earlier this year while saying he was still open to performing at festivals in 2025.

Despite the hardships he faced, Di'Anno's passion for music never waned. He remained active on the music scene, consistently performing and engaging with fans, proving his dedication to his craft. His resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to his love for music, and his legacy as a legendary heavy metal vocalist will live on for generations to come.

A Legacy of Heavy Metal

Paul Di’Anno's impact on the music world is undeniable. He was a key figure in the rise of Iron Maiden, and his unique vocal style, with its rawness and intensity, shaped the sound of heavy metal in its early days. His contribution to the band's first two albums, Iron Maiden and Killers, remain pillars of heavy metal history, and his influence can be felt in the music of countless bands that followed in their footsteps. While his later career may not have achieved the same commercial success, Di’Anno's passion for music remained unwavering. He continued to perform, record, and tour, reminding fans of his enduring spirit and dedication to his craft.

While Di’Anno’s life was a complex tapestry woven with both triumph and adversity, his legacy as a heavy metal icon remains solid. He was a vocalist who embraced the raw energy of the genre, and his voice, with its distinctive grit and power, left a lasting mark on the history of heavy metal. Di'Anno’s music, with its blend of aggression and passion, continues to inspire musicians and fans alike, proving that his influence on the heavy metal scene remains as strong as ever.

Remembering Paul Di’Anno

Paul Di’Anno's passing is a loss for the music world, and his absence will be keenly felt by fans and musicians alike. He was a singular talent, a voice that defined a generation, and his contributions to the heavy metal scene will forever be remembered. His legacy as a pioneer of heavy metal will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that his music and his spirit live on in the hearts of fans around the world.