The music industry recently mourned the loss of legendary singer Paul Di’Anno, former lead vocalist of the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Known on and off the stage as Paul Di’Anno, he passed away at his home in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, at the age of 66.
On a somber Monday, a heartfelt message shared on his Facebook page brought clarity to the cause of his untimely death, attributing it to a “tear in the sac around the heart.”
This statement informed fans and friends alike: “We have received permission from Paul’s family to bring you the news of Paul’s cause of death, after the results of the autopsy have been received.” Adding further insight, “His sisters Cheryl and Michelle confirmed the following: ‘Basically he had a tear in the sac around the heart and blood has filled inside it from the main aorta artery and that has caused the heart to stop.’ Paul’s death was instantaneous and hopefully painless. May he rest in peace.”
During the weekend preceding this announcement, a memorial concert titled “In Memoriam” was held at Underworld Camden. It was an event brimming with emotions where fans, friends, colleagues, and family members came together, celebrating the life of the extraordinary rocker with a remarkable musical tribute.
Di’Anno’s death was initially announced on October 21 by his record label, Conquest Music. The label mentioned his long-term battle with significant health issues, which had confined him to a wheelchair in his later years.
“On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno,” the announcement stated. “Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.”
Though battling severe health problems in his last few years, Paul Di’Anno’s richness of spirit never dulled. Defying his physical limitations, he continued to captivate audiences worldwide, performing over 100 shows since 2023.
Di’Anno was the voice that marked the beginnings of Iron Maiden, leading them from 1978 through 1981. He lent his vocals to the band’s first two groundbreaking albums, “Iron Maiden” (1980) and “Killers” (1981), before Bruce Dickinson took over the reins as the band’s frontman.
When the news of Di’Anno’s passing first emerged, Dickinson, currently Iron Maiden’s lead singer, paid homage to his predecessor with grace and respect, acknowledging him to an avid crowd of fans. “Paul was instrumental in the first two albums,” Dickinson highlighted. “An amazing voice, devoted to rock ’n’ roll right up till the last minute of his life.”
After stepping away from Iron Maiden, Di’Anno had candidly acknowledged his struggles, citing personal challenges with drug usage—particularly cocaine—as pivotal in his departure from the band. “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 previously mentioned. “The band had commitments piling up and I just couldn’t see my way to the end of it,” he candidly revealed.
The poignant timing of Paul Di’Anno’s death came just a week after Iron Maiden’s announcement of their own upcoming 50th anniversary tour. Survived by former bandmates Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, Janick Gers, and Bruce Dickinson, the band prepares to continue their legacy while keeping Di’Anno’s contributions and spirit close to their hearts.
