Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno has died at 66

Paul Di’Anno, who sang lead on Iron Maiden‘s 1980 self-titled debut album and their 1981 sophomore LP Killers, has passed away. A statement from his label Conquest Music reads, “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.”

UPDATE: Iron Maiden also issued a statement, which reads:

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.

“It’s just so sad he’s gone,” comments Steve Harris. “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 ⚒⚒.”

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. On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the whole Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest In Peace Paul.

Born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, Paul grew up in Chingford, East London, and initially met the members of Iron Maiden through drummer Doug Sampson. He joined the band in November of 1978, and adopted the last name Di’Anno around that same time. In addition to Iron Maiden and Killers, Paul also recorded the 1979 EP The Soundhouse Tapes with Maiden and appeared on multiple live releases before being fired from the band in 1981 and replaced by Bruce Dickinson.

After parting ways with Maiden, Paul formed his own project called Di’Anno, played in the short-lived supergroup Gogmagog (with former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, future Iron Maiden guitarist Janick Gers, and members of Def Leppard and Whitesnake), and then formed the bands Battlezone, Killers, and more. In more recent years, he dealt with health issues that forced him to perform in a wheelchair.

Paul also released an autobiography, The Beast, in 2010.

Rest in peace, Paul.