Heavy metal legend and former singer of the legendary rock band, died at the age of 66

Paul Di'Anno, the former lead singer of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has died.

Variety reports that Di'Anno, 66, died at his home in Salisbury, England, after several years of illness.

Born Paul Andrews in Chingford, East London, the rock singer was the frontman of Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981.

He can be heard on the band's first two albums, “Iron Maiden” (1980) and “Killers” (1981). He later founded his own bands and performed solo.

Di'Anno's family confirmed his death in a statement released by record label Conquest Music.

“Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di'Anno has had a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers, as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances,” the statement reads. “Despite suffering from serious health problems in recent years that limited him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, logging well over 100 shows as of 2023.”

“His first career retrospective album, 'The Book of the Beast,' was released in September 2024 and included highlights of his recordings since his departure from Iron Maiden,” the statement continued. “Conquest Music is proud to have Paul Di'Anno as part of our artistic family and asks his fans to raise a glass to him.”

Iron Maiden was founded in 1975 with singer Paul Mario Day.

Di'Anno was released from the band in 1981, allegedly because of his excessive alcohol and drug use.

Bruce Dickinson replaced him as lead singer and is still the frontman.

“I don’t blame them for getting rid of me,” Di’Anno told Metal Hammer magazine in 2022. “Of course the band was Steve's (bassist Steve Harris) baby, but I wish I could have contributed more.” After a while it got to me. In the end I couldn’t give Maiden 100% and it wasn’t fair to the band, the fans or myself.”