THE BEAST

(Photo - Marco Benjamin Alvarado)

Paul Di'Anno: A Heavy Metal Icon Remembered

On behalf of his family, Conquest Music has sadly confirmed the passing of Paul Andrews, known to the world as Paul Di'Anno. The legendary vocalist, who was the original frontman for IRON MAIDEN, passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.

Born on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Di'Anno first rose to prominence as the voice behind the first two iconic IRON MAIDEN albums, Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981). These records not only shaped the future of heavy metal but also left a lasting imprint on musicians and fans alike.

"RIP Paul Di'Anno! What an incredible impact he had on heavy metal with those first two Iron Maiden albums. He was a huge influence on me as a kid in the early '80s—my walls were plastered with Iron Maiden album covers, and their songs were always blasting from my bedroom stereo. Paul was such a cool dude, and it was an absolute honor to interview him on my radio show—so down to earth. And the fact that he kept performing recently, even in a wheelchair—what a trooper! The metal world has lost another legend. You will be missed!" -Zach Moonshine

A Career Full of Triumphs and Struggles

After departing from IRON MAIDEN in 1981, Di'Anno embarked on an eventful solo career, fronting bands like BATTLEZONE and KILLERS, as well as working on numerous solo projects. Despite facing severe health challenges, which eventually confined him to a wheelchair, Di'Anno's passion for performing never wavered. Since 2023, he continued to tour, delivering over 100 shows worldwide, inspiring fans with his resilience.

In 2024, Di'Anno released The Book Of The Beast, a retrospective album that highlighted his illustrious career post-MAIDEN. Additionally, he formed a new project, PAUL DI'ANNO'S WARHORSE, alongside Croatian guitarists Hrvoje Madiraca and Ante "Pupi" Pupačić. Their debut LP was released in July 2024, cementing Di'Anno's place in the metal world until his final days.

A Final Goodbye

Paul Di'Anno's legacy will live on through his groundbreaking contributions to heavy metal, his relentless determination, and the countless lives he influenced. The metal community has lost one of its greats, but his voice and spirit will echo forever in the music he left behind.

Rest in power, Paul. The trooper's journey has ended, but your music will never die.