The legendary heavy metal band's original lead singer has died

The lead singer who was the voice of English heavy metal band Iron Maiden early in his influential career has died, his record label announced.

Conquest Music released a statement Monday morning confirming the death of Paul Andrew, known professionally as Paul Di'Anno. Di'Anno sang on Iron Maiden's 1980 debut album of the same name and on their second album, 1981's Killers. He was credited with co-writing the band's first single, “Running Free”, and the title track of “Killers”.

The band replaced him with Bruce Dickinson in 1981; Conquest said that Di'Anno has since enjoyed “a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers, as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances.”

Iron Maiden said on social media that the band members were “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Di'Anno today.” The band's statement continued: “Paul's contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have taken as a band for almost five decades.” His groundbreaking presence as a frontman and singer, both on stage and on stage also on our first two albums, will be fondly remembered not only by us, but also by fans all over the world.”

The label said the singer has “been plagued by serious health issues in recent years” but has sung at more than 100 shows since 2023, despite having to perform in a wheelchair. According to Conquest, he was 66 years old and died at his home in Salisbury, England.

He also released a career retrospective album titled “The Book of the Beast” in September. According to the promotional materials for this album, a no-holds-barred documentary about Di'Anno was in the works and was expected to be shown at festivals in late 2024.

“Conquest Music is proud to have Paul Di'Anno in our artistic family and asks his fans to raise a glass to him,” the label's statement read.

“It’s just so sad that he’s gone,” said Iron Maiden co-founder Steve Harris. “I only recently had contact with him when we wrote to each other about West Ham and its ups and downs. At least he was still performing until recently, being outside whenever he could was something that kept him going. We will all miss him. Rest in peace, buddy.”