Iron Maiden star Paul Di’Anno dead at 66: Five-times married father-of-six heavy metal singer had been left wheelchair-bound since 2021 as he battled health issues-ZoomTech News

Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno has died on the age of 66, his household introduced on Monday.

Paul Andrews, higher identified by his stage identify Di’Anno, handed away at his dwelling in Salisbury, Wiltshire. 

He fronted the band for the 2 albums titled Iron Maiden in 1980 and Killers in 1981 – earlier than being changed by present vocalist Bruce Dickinson. 

An announcement asserting his loss of life learn: ‘On behalf of his household, Conquest Music are unhappy to substantiate the loss of life of Paul Andrews, professionally referred to as Paul Di’Anno.

‘Paul handed away at his dwelling in Salisbury on the age of 66.’

It continued: ‘Born in Chingford, East London, on seventeenth Might 1958, Paul first got here to prominence as lead singer of English Heavy Metallic band Iron Maiden, between 1978 and 1981.

‘He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden, and the influential observe up launch, Killers.

‘Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno had an extended and eventful recording profession with Battlezone and Killers in addition to quite a few solo releases and visitor appearances.

‘Regardless of being troubled by extreme well being points in recent times that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his followers around the globe, racking up properly over 100 exhibits since 2023.

‘His first profession retrospective album, The Ebook of the Beast was launched in September 2024 and featured highlights of his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden.

‘Conquest Music are proud to have had Paul Di’Anno in our artist household and ask his legion of followers to boost a glass in his reminiscence.’

Paul left the band in 1981 after creating a crippling fondness for cocaine.

He mentioned beforehand of the behavior: ‘It wasn’t simply that I used to be snorting a little bit of coke; I used to be simply going for it continuous 24 hours a day day by day. 

The band had commitments piling up and I simply could not see my option to the top of it.’

Established in 1975 within the East Finish of London Iron Maiden have, over the course of 17 studio albums, greater than 110 million data bought.

They’ve change into one of many biggest and most influential British rock bands of all time.

The present members of Iron Maiden launched a press release studying: ‘We’re all deeply saddened to study in regards to the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier right now. 

‘Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the trail we’ve got been travelling as a band for nearly 5 many years. 

‘His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, each on stage and on our first two albums, shall be very fondly remembered not simply by us, however by followers around the globe.’

It continued: ‘We had been very grateful to have had the prospect to catch up a few years in the past and to spend time with him as soon as extra. 

‘On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the entire Iron Maiden group, we lengthen our deepest sympathies to Paul’s household and shut associates. Relaxation In Peace Paul. 

Steve Harris, who has been a part of the band since 1975, commented: ‘It’s simply so unhappy he’s gone. I used to be in contact with him solely lately as we texted one another about West Ham and their ups and downs. 

‘Not less than he was nonetheless gigging till lately, it was one thing that saved him going, to be on the market each time he might. He shall be missed by us all. Relaxation in peace mate.’

Paul has been married 5 instances and leaves behind six kids. 

The unhappy information of Paul’s loss of life comes week after the band – which now consists of Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, and Janick Gers – introduced a fiftieth anniversary tour. 

The group, which fashioned in 1975, shall be performing in 27 stadiums, festivals and area exhibits across the continent, beginning on 27 Might in Budapest, Hungary.

Followers can count on a really particular set listing, spanning the 9 studio albums from their debut to Worry Of The Darkish. 

‘Subsequent yr is a really particular one for Iron Maiden and we will be giving our followers a once-in-a-lifetime reside expertise,’ lead singer Bruce Dickinson mentioned.

‘This can be a tour that is gonna put a smile in your face and a cheer in your throat. If you happen to’ve seen us earlier than, then get able to take that have to an entire new stage,’ Dickinson mentioned. 

‘If you happen to’ve by no means seen us earlier than, then what the hell have you ever been ready for? Now’s your likelihood to search out out what you have been lacking! Iron Maiden’s positively gonna get ya!’

The tour consists of 5 exhibits within the UK and Eire, with arenas in Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, and outside exhibits in Dublin and London.

Followers of Paul have taken to X to share their heartfelt tributes to the star, writing: ‘R.I.P to a legend pondering of Paul his household and the maiden household.’

‘Rip Man. Thanks for every thing.’ 

‘Very unhappy information, gutted. RIP Paul you at the moment are Working Free.’ 

‘Relaxation in peace, Paul! Up the Irons!’ 

‘R.I.P Paul thanks for the early years of Maiden. Your vocals on bear in mind tomorrow and Phantom of the opera had been legendary.’

‘You guys made historical past collectively, although it was quick lived. Godspeed Paul D’

‘Rip Paul. A tragic day for music!’ 

‘R.I.P Paul, such unhappy information, incredible singer.’