21 October 2024, 17:42 | Updated: 21 October 2024, 20:31
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Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno has died at the age of 66, his family announced on Monday.
Paul Andrews, who was known by his stage name Di’Anno, passed away at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Di’Anno fronted the British band between 1978 and 1981 and featured on their 1980 debut album and its follow-up Killers.
He sang on songs such as Running Free, Sanctuary, and Remember Tomorrow before being replaced by current lead singer Bruce Dickinson.
A statement announcing his death made on behalf of his family mentioned the “severe health issues” that troubled Di’Anno in recent years, restricting him to a wheelchair when performing.
The statement read: “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.”
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Alamy
The statement continued: “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.
“He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden, and the influential follow up release, Killers.
“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.
“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.”
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In a statement released to the band’s, Iron Maiden bass player Steve Harris said he was “so sad he’s gone”.
Harris said: “It’s just so sad he’s gone, 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.”
Di’Anno was dismissed from the band in 1981 due to his erratic behaviour and drug usage but has made guest appearances with the group since.
The rest of the band’s statement said they were “deeply saddened” by the news, and described him as a “pioneering” frontman.
It read: “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.
“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.”
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Alamy
The news of Di’Anno’s death comes just weeks after the band, which now consists of Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, and Janick Gers, announced a 50th anniversary tour.
The group, which formed in 1975, will be performing in 27 stadiums, festivals and arena shows around the continent, starting on 27 May in Budapest, Hungary.
Lead singer Dickinson said: “Next year is a very special one for Iron Maiden and we’re going to be giving our fans a once-in-a-lifetime live experience.
The tour includes five shows in the UK and Ireland, with arenas in Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, and outdoor shows in Dublin and London.