Iron Maiden's former frontman Paul Di'Anno has died. He was 66.
Metal label Conquest Music confirmed the vocalist's death in a note shared to his Facebook page on behalf of his family.
It confirmed Di'Anno – born Paul Andrews – died at his home in Salisbury, England.
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Paul Di'Anno, pictured here with Iron Maiden's Steve Harris in 1981, has died. He was 66. (Redferns)"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 statement read in part.
"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."
They concluded their statement by asking a favour from Di'Anno's supporters.
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"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," they wrote.
In a statement released to Iron Maiden's social media, the band said: "We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di'Anno earlier today."
"Paul's contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades."
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"His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world," the statement continued.
"We were very grateful to have had the chance to catch up a couple of years ago and to spend time with him once more.
"On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the whole Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul's family and close friends. Rest In Peace Paul."
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Di'Anno was an avid football fan, with this photo included in his family's statement. (Facebook)The statement also included comments from bassist Steve Harris, who said: "It's just so sad he's gone. I was in touch with him only recently as we texted each other about West Ham and their ups and downs."
"At least he was still gigging until recently, it was something that kept him going, to be out there whenever he could," Harris continued.
"He will be missed by us all. Rest in peace mate ⚒⚒."
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Born in May 1958 in Chingford, East London, Di'Anno was the lead singer of heavy metal band Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981.
At this point in time, the group had been performing for several years but had yet to settle on a sturdy lineup.
It was Di'Anno's voice that can be heard on the English band's eponymous debut record – Iron Maiden – and its sophomore release Killers.
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Di'Anno, pictured here in 2013, went on to have a solo career and sing with other groups. (Getty)Soon after Killers' release, however, Di'Anno was booted from Iron Maiden, being replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who would become the group's eventual longtime vocalist.
"I wish I'd been able to contribute more," Di'Anno told Metal Hammer in 2022 of his firing, which he said he didn't "blame" Iron Maiden for.
Di'Anno was fired allegedly due to his drug use and partying.
"After a while that got me down. In the end, I couldn't give 100 per cent to [Iron Maiden] anymore and it wasn't fair to the band, the fans, or to myself."
He then went on to perform with Battlezon and Killers, as well as make several guest appearances and solo releases over the years.
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