Paul Di’Anno was a rock singer-songwriter best known as an early frontman for the legendary band Iron Maiden, performing on their debut and “Killers” albums, as well as co-writing the latter’s title track.
- Died: October 2024
- Details of death: Died in Salisbury, England at the age of 66.
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Paul Di’Anno’s legacy
Born Paul Andrews but better known by his stage name, the English singer took the last name Di’Anno and claimed Italian descent, though, in truth, he was half-Brazilian and held dual citizenship. He joined Iron Maiden during their earliest days in 1978, stepping in after a handful of their first singers did not last. Di’Anno helped the band draw attention with their ferocious self-titled debut in 1980, which went to No. 4 on the British charts.
Their second album made the band – and for a brief time, Di’Anno – stars. “Killers” didn’t chart as high, peaking in England at No. 12, but spent eight weeks on its charts overall. The record has since become a fan favorite. Di’Anno co-wrote the record’s title track; however, he would not continue to rise with the band. He left the group in 1981 and was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who still fronts Iron Maiden to this day.
Di’Anno went on to have an active solo career, forming and/or playing with bands such as the self-named Di’Anno, Gogmagog, BattleZone, and Killers. He consistently recorded and performed from the 1980s through the 2000s, until health issues began to take their toll. In 2017, when he joined the all-female tribute band The Iron Maidens on stage for two songs, he did so seated in a wheelchair. Health limited his ability to perform in his final years, though he continued to do so, even while in his wheelchair.
He released an autobiography, “The Beast,” in 2002.
Tributes to Paul Di’Anno
Full obituary: Variety
