Paul Di’Anno, the legendary former lead singer of Iron Maiden, passes away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66

Paul Di’Anno, the legendary former lead singer of Iron Maiden, passes away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66

The music world mourns the loss of Paul Di’Anno, the iconic former lead singer of Iron Maiden, who passed away at 66.

His family shared the sad news on Monday, marking the end of an era for heavy metal fans everywhere.

A Life Cut Short

Born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Di’Anno first gained fame as the frontman of Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981.

His powerful voice can be heard on the band’s groundbreaking debut album, Iron Maiden, and its influential follow-up, Killers.

After leaving the group, he was succeeded by Bruce Dickinson, who remains the band’s lead singer to this day.

A statement from Conquest Music confirmed Di’Anno’s passing at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire, saying, “Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.”

The family noted his significant contributions to the music world and encouraged fans to remember him fondly.

Struggles and Triumphs

Despite facing severe health challenges in recent years, including performing in a wheelchair, Di’Anno remained dedicated to his fans.

He completed over 100 shows in 2023 and continued to share his passion for music.

His first career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast, was released in September 2024, showcasing his work after Iron Maiden.

Di’Anno’s journey was not without its struggles.

He openly discussed his battle with addiction, revealing that his cocaine habit had spiraled out of control, making it difficult for him to fulfill the band’s commitments.

“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 once said.

Iron Maiden’s Celebratory Tour

The announcement of Di’Anno’s death comes just a week after Iron Maiden revealed plans for their 50th anniversary tour.

The current lineup, featuring Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, and Janick Gers, is set to perform across 27 venues in Europe, starting May 27 in Budapest, Hungary.

Lead singer Bruce Dickinson promised fans a remarkable experience, saying, “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.

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!”

The tour will include five shows in the UK and Ireland, with performances planned in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and outdoor events in Dublin and London.

As the band celebrates its rich history, fans can look forward to a setlist that spans their iconic nine studio albums, ensuring a memorable tribute to the band’s legacy and the late Paul Di’Anno.