Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno has died at the age of 66, his family announced on Monday.
Paul Andrews, better known by his stage name Di’Anno, passed away at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
He fronted the band for the two albums titled Iron Maiden in 1980 and Killers in 1981 – before being replaced by current vocalist Bruce Dickinson.
A statement announcing his death 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.’
Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno died at the age of 66 at home in Wiltshire, his family announced on Monday (Pictured in 1981)
Paul Andrews, better known by his stage name Di’Anno, passed away at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire (Pictured in 2013)
It 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.’
Paul left the band in 1981 after developing a crippling fondness for cocaine.
He said previously of the habit: ‘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.
A statement announcing his death read: ‘On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno (Paul pictured in 1990 fronting the group Paul Di’Anno’s Killers)
Paul fronted the band for the two albums titled Iron Maiden in 1980 and Killers in 1981 – before being replaced by current vocalist Bruce Dickinson (Pictured with the band in 1980)
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’ (pictured in 1980)
He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden, and the influential follow up release, Killers
Paul pictured in 1980 with Iron Maiden (Clive Burr, Dennis Stratton, Dave Murray and Steve Harris)
The band had commitments piling up and I just couldn’t see my way to the end of it.’
Established in 1975 in the East End of London Iron Maiden have, over the course of 17 studio albums, more than 110 million records sold.
They have become one of the greatest and most influential British rock bands of all time.
The current members of Iron Maiden released a statement reading: ‘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 continued: ‘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.
Established in 1975 in the East End of London Iron Maiden have, over the course of 17 studio albums, more than 110 million records sold (Paul pictured in 2013)
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
Iron Maiden pictured in 1981 (L-R Clive Burr, Dave Murray, Paul Di’Anno, Adrian Smith, and Steve Harris)
Steve Harris, who has been part of the band since 1975, commented: ‘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’
The current members of Iron Maiden released a statement reading: ‘We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today’
Steve Harris, who has been part of the band since 1975, commented: ‘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.’
Paul has been married five times and leaves behind six children.
The sad news of Paul’s death comes week after the band – which now consists of Bruce 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.
Fans can expect a very special set list, spanning the nine studio albums from their debut to Fear Of The Dark.
Iron Maiden have sent fans into a frenzy by announcing they will be going on a huge tour of the UK and Europe to mark their 50th anniversary
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 (Bruce Dickinson pictured)
‘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,’ lead singer Bruce Dickinson said
Fans of Paul have taken to X to share their heartfelt tributes to the star
Fans wrote on social media: ‘Rest in peace, Paul! Up the Irons!’ and ‘Very sad news, gutted. RIP Paul you are now Running Free’
‘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,’ lead singer Bruce Dickinson said.
‘This is a tour that’s gonna put a smile on your face and a cheer in your throat. If you’ve seen us before, then get ready to take that experience to a whole new level,’ Dickinson said.
‘If you’ve never seen us before, then what the hell have you been waiting for? Now’s your chance to find out what you’ve been missing! Iron Maiden’s definitely gonna get ya!’
The tour includes five shows in the UK and Ireland, with arenas in Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, and outdoor shows in Dublin and London.
Fans of Paul have taken to X to share their heartfelt tributes to the star, writing: ‘R.I.P to a legend thinking of Paul his family and the maiden family.’
‘Rip Man. Thank you for everything.’
‘Very sad news, gutted. RIP Paul you are now Running Free.’
‘Rest in peace, Paul! Up the Irons!’
‘R.I.P Paul thank you for the early years of Maiden. Your vocals on remember tomorrow and Phantom of the opera were legendary.’
‘You guys made history together, despite the fact that it was short lived. Godspeed Paul D’
‘Rip Paul. A sad day for music!’
‘R.I.P Paul, such sad news, fantastic singer.’