Paul Di'Anno, the iconic voice behind Iron Maiden's early hits, has sadly passed away at the age of 66.
Born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Paul Di'Anno became the original frontman of Iron Maiden. His voice brought a raw, aggressive energy to the band. He was with them from 1978 to 1981.
During this time, he helped shape Iron Maiden's sound. He was a key part of their first two albums, Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981), which were pivotal in establishing the band’s legacy.
A Lasting Influence on Heavy Metal
Though he parted ways with Iron Maiden, Paul Di'Anno remained a huge influence in the heavy metal scene. He continued his career with bands like BATTLEZONE, and KILLERS, and pursued many solo projects.
In September 2024, Paul released his career retrospective album The Book Of The Beast. This album highlights his incredible journey after leaving Iron Maiden.
Health Struggles and Determination
In his later years, Paul faced serious health issues. He had to perform in a wheelchair due to lymphedema and underwent major knee surgery.
Despite these challenges, Paul Di'Anno didn’t stop performing. He has played over 100 shows since 2023, showing incredible dedication to his fans.
In December 2022, Paul recorded an album with his new band, WARHORSE, in Croatia. This project, created with Croatian guitarists, resulted in an album released in July 2024. The album showcases his creative energy, even in the later stages of his life.
A Reunion with Bruce Dickinson
There were long-standing rumours of tension between Paul Di'Anno and Bruce Dickinson, who replaced him in Iron Maiden. However, these rumours were always exaggerated.
In 2023, Paul and Bruce reunited in Croatia, putting any misunderstandings behind them. Paul made it clear that they always respected each other. He mentioned that the media exaggerated the idea of any rivalry.
"We just gave each other a hug, shook hands, and had a little chat," Paul shared in an interview.
This moment symbolized the respect and humanity between the two metal legends, showing that behind the music, they shared a real connection.
Paul Di'Anno’s Unique Voice
Paul had a voice unlike any other in heavy metal. His rough, aggressive tone reflected his tough upbringing in East London.
Paul often compared his style to Bruce’s more operatic voice. While Bruce was a better fit for later Iron Maiden material, he acknowledged that no one could match Paul’s intensity on songs like "Running Free" or "Wrathchild."
Paul’s voice was a key part of what made Iron Maiden's first two albums iconic. His influence continues to resonate with fans today.
His Enduring Legacy
Paul’s legacy goes beyond his time with Iron Maiden. His solo work and band projects like BATTLEZONE, KILLERS, and WARHORSE showed his relentless passion for music.
Despite facing health struggles, Paul Di'Anno never gave up on performing. His contribution to heavy metal is undeniable. His voice and music will be remembered for generations to come.