The cause of death for former Iron Maiden lead vocalist Paul Di’Anno has been disclosed. The singer, born Paul Andrews but widely recognized by his stage name Paul Di’Anno, passed away at his residence in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England on October 21 at the age of 66.
On Monday, a statement shared on the late rock star’s Facebook page revealed that his death was due to a “tear in the sac surrounding the heart.” The statement, which received approval from Paul’s family, detailed the results of the autopsy. His sisters Cheryl and Michelle confirmed, “He had a tear in the sac around the heart, and blood filled inside it from the main aorta artery, causing the heart to stop.” Paul’s death was described as instantaneous and hopefully painless, with the message concluding, “May he rest in peace.”
This past weekend, an In Memoriam show was held at Underworld Camden, where many of Paul’s fans, friends, colleagues, and family members gathered. The event featured a magnificent musical tribute, allowing his musical peers to bid a fitting farewell to their friend.
A photo capturing the gathering of family and friends to remember Di’Anno was included in the Facebook post. Di’Anno’s record label, Conquest Music, announced his death on October 21, highlighting that the vocalist had been battling “severe health issues” prior to his passing, which confined him to a wheelchair.
Despite his health challenges, Paul continued to entertain his fans worldwide, performing over 100 shows since 2023. As Iron Maiden’s lead vocalist from 1978 to 1981, Di’Anno contributed to two albums with the band, 1980’s “Iron Maiden” and 1981’s “Killers.” He was succeeded by Iron Maiden’s current vocalist, Bruce Dickinson.
Dickinson paid tribute to Di’Anno during a performance one day after the news of their former bandmate’s death. “Paul was instrumental in the first two albums,” Dickinson, 66, told the audience. “An amazing voice, dedicated to rock ’n’ roll until the very end of his life.”
Years after leaving the band, Di’Anno admitted that his departure was due to his addiction to cocaine. “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,” Di’Anno once said, according to Daily Mail. “The band had commitments piling up and I just couldn’t see my way to the end of it.”
Di’Anno passed away one week after Iron Maiden, now comprising Di’Anno’s former bandmates Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, Janick Gers, and Dickinson, announced a 50th-anniversary tour.
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