Paul Di’Anno, the former lead singer of Iron Maiden, passed away at the age of 66, as announced by his family on Monday, according to Daily Mail. Paul Andrews, known by his stage name Di’Anno, breathed his last at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Di’Anno served as the lead vocalist for the band from 1978 to 1981, contributing to two albums: “Iron Maiden” in 1980 and “Killers” in 1981, before being succeeded by current vocalist Bruce Dickinson. A statement released on behalf of his family read: “Conquest Music is saddened to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno. Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.”

Born in Chingford, East London on May 17, 1958, Di’Anno rose to fame as the lead singer of the English heavy metal band Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981. He was the voice behind their groundbreaking debut album ‘Iron Maiden’ and the influential follow-up, ‘Killers.’

After leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno embarked on a long and eventful recording career with bands like Battlezone and Killers, along with numerous solo releases and guest appearances. Despite severe health issues in recent years that confined him to a wheelchair, Di’Anno continued to perform, delighting fans worldwide with over 100 shows since 2023.

His family also mentioned that his first career retrospective album, ‘The Book of the Beast,’ was released in September 2024, featuring highlights from his post-Iron Maiden recordings.

Conquest Music expressed their pride in having Di’Anno as part of their artist family and urged his fans to raise a glass in his memory. Di’Anno left the band in 1981 due to a cocaine addiction, which he had previously discussed, admitting, “It wasn’t just that I was snorting a bit of coke; I was just going for it non-stop 24 hours a day every day.”

Iron Maiden, formed in 1975 in East End London, has released 41 albums, including 17 studio albums, 13 live albums, four EPs, and seven compilations. Di’Anno, who has been married five times, leaves behind six children.

The news of his passing comes just a week after Iron Maiden, now comprising Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, and Janick Gers, announced a 50th-anniversary tour. The band is set to perform in 27 stadiums, festivals, and arena shows across the continent, starting on May 27 in Budapest, Hungary.

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