Paul Di'Anno Cause of Death: Former Iron Maiden singer passes away aged 66

Paul Di'Anno, the former lead vocalist of Iron Maiden, has passed away at the age of 66, his family have confirmed.

Di'Anno, born Paul Andrews, died at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and was known for his energetic performances and powerful vocals, as he fronted the legendary heavy metal band from 1978 to 1981, before being replaced by Bruce Dickinson.

His passing marks the end of an era for Iron Maiden's early history and the heavy metal world at large.

A statement announcing Di'Anno's 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."

Born in Chingford, East London, on May 17, 1958, Di'Anno first gained recognition as the lead singer of Iron Maiden.

His distinct vocals can be heard on the band's groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden (1980) and their follow-up release Killers (1981).

These albums are considered pivotal in shaping the early sound of the band and setting the stage for Iron Maiden's meteoric rise in the heavy metal genre.

After leaving Iron Maiden in 1981, Di'Anno embarked on a solo career and performed with several bands, including Battlezone and Killers.

Despite severe health challenges in recent years that forced him to perform in a wheelchair, Di'Anno remained committed to his fans, performing more than 100 shows since 2023.

His career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast, was released in September 2024, celebrating his post-Iron Maiden legacy.

Conquest Music, his label, expressed their sorrow in a statement: "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."

Overcoming Struggles

Paul Di'Anno's departure from Iron Maiden in 1981 was largely attributed to his increasing drug use, particularly cocaine.

Reflecting on that time, Di'Anno once admitted: "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 pressures of a fast-paced career took their toll, leading to his exit from the band.

Though Di'Anno's life post-Iron Maiden was marked by personal struggles, his impact on the band's early success remains undeniable.

The albums he contributed to were critical in defining Iron Maiden's distinct style, which continues to influence the metal genre.

Iron Maiden's 50th Anniversary Tour

Di'Anno's passing comes just weeks after Iron Maiden - now featuring Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, and Janick Gers - announced a 50th-anniversary tour.

The band, which formed in 1975, will perform across 27 stadiums and arenas in 2025, with the tour kicking off in Budapest, Hungary, on May 27. Fans can expect an expansive setlist, spanning nine albums from Iron Maiden's early years to Fear Of The Dark.

For many, the tour will be a bittersweet reminder of Di'Anno's significant role in Iron Maiden's early success, as his contribution to the band continues to be felt decades later.

In the wake of his death, Paul Di'Anno's legacy remains intact as a crucial figure in the formation of Iron Maiden's distinctive sound, helping to lay the foundation for one of heavy metal's most enduring and influential bands.