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Iron Maiden's first lead singer was 66 years old
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Iron Maiden's first lead singer was 66 years old

Heavy metal singer and first lead singer of Iron Maiden, Paul Di'Anno, has died. He was 66.

His former group paid tribute to Di'Anno in a social media post on Monday.

“We are all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Di'Anno today. “Paul's contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and set us on the path we have been on as a band for nearly five decades,” the statement reads, alongside a photo of Di'Anno with founding member and bassist Steve Harris.

“His groundbreaking presence as a frontman and singer, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be fondly remembered not only by us, but also by fans around the world,” the group's message continued.

“We were very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him and spend time with him again a few years ago. On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy and the entire Iron Maiden team, we offer our deepest condolences. Paul's family and close friends rest in peace, Paul.

Harris gave a quote in the statement that reads: “It’s just so sad that he’s gone. I only recently had contact with him when we wrote to each other about West Ham and their ups and downs. At least he was still on stage until recently.” Something that kept him going was being out there whenever he could. Rest in peace, buddy.

In 1981, Bruce Dickinson replaced Di'Anno as Iron Maiden's frontman.

Di'Anno's record label confirmed the news on both their Facebook page and Di'Anno's page.

“On behalf of his family, Conquest Music regrets to confirm the passing of Paul Andrews, known professionally as Paul Di'Anno. Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury,” the message said. Representatives also confirmed Di'Anno's death to Fox News Digital.

A cause of death was not given, but his record label acknowledged that Di'Anno had “suffered from serious health problems in recent years.” However, he “continued to entertain his fans around the world, performing well over 100 shows as of 2023” while performing in a wheelchair.

The East London-born singer “first came to prominence as the lead singer of the English heavy metal band Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981,” the statement said. “He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden and its influential follow-up album Killers. 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.”

In an interview with YouTube channel MB Live in 2023, Di'Anno said that although he made a few one-off appearances, he was “off the road for eight years” due to health issues that prevented him from flying.

After delayed knee surgery in 2022, Di'Anno faced mounting medical costs. However, Iron Maiden has “paid for the last few months of treatment,” he revealed, adding that he is “forever grateful for it.”

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