Former Iron Maiden frontman Paul Di’Anno died at the age of 66.
His label, Conquest Music, announced his death Monday on Facebook on behalf of his family.
“Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66,” he label wrote. “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.”
The statement went on to pay tribute to the star’s career by noting that he “sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden, and the influential follow up release, Killers.”
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 14: Paul Di’Anno and Dave Murray of Iron Maiden perform on stage at Hammersmith Odeon on March 14th, 1980 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns) Getty Images
Di’Anno, whose name at birth was Paul Andrews, struggled with illness prior to his passing. His official cause of death was not disclosed as of Tuesday morning.
“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,” the label’s statement continued.
They also mentioned his sheer determination to pursue his passion even while ill.
“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,” the statement reads.
UNITED KINGDOM – FEBRUARY 01: Photo of Clive BURR and Steve HARRIS and IRON MAIDEN and Paul DI’ANNO and Dennis STRATTON and Dave MURRAY; L-R: Clive Burr, Dave Murray, Steve Harris, Dennis Stratton, Paul Di’Anno – posed, group shot, walking through park (Photo by Virginia Turbett/Redferns)
Iron Maiden issued a heartfelt tribute to Di’Anno on Instagram and remarked on his incredible talents.
“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,” the band wrote. “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.”
Di’Anno was the lead singer for Iron Maiden from 1978 through 1981. He was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who has remained the band’s singer since joining the group.
Di’Anno went on to become the frontman for Battlezone and Killers and released several solo albums. (RELATED: Liam Payne’s Girlfriend Kate Cassidy Breaks Her Silence After His Tragic Death)
There has been an outpouring of love and support as fans and loved ones take to social media to pay tribute to the legacy he left behind.
