Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno dead at 66

Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno died at 66, his family announced on Monday.

Paul Andrews, known by his stage name (Di’Anno), passed away at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. 

Di’Anno was the lead vocalist for the band from 1978 to 1981. They completed two albums titled “Iron Maiden” in 1980 and “Killers” in 1981 before current vocalist Bruce Dickinson replaced him. 

A statement announcing his death, per Daily Mail, 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.

“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,” the statement continued. “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.”

The family added that “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.”

The label concluded: “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.”

Di’Anno left the band in 1981 after developing an addiction to cocaine.

He had previously spoke of the habit, per the outlet: “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. The band had commitments piling up and I just couldn’t see my way to the end of it.”

Iron Maiden was formed in 1975 in the East End of London and has put out 41 albums, including 17 studio albums, 13 live, four EPs and seven compilations.

On a personal note, Di’Anno had been married five times and leaves behind six kids.