BREAKING: Iron Maiden Frontman, Dies at Home in Salisbury
Salisbury, UK — June 24, 2025
Paul Di’Anno, the original lead singer of legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has died at his home in Salisbury, according to a statement released by his record label, Conquest Music, on Monday. He was 66.
The announcement, shared via the label’s official Facebook page, reads:
“On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno.”
While the exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, Di’Anno’s health had been a matter of public concern for several years. He had battled numerous medical issues in recent times, including chronic knee problems and a series of infections that required prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation.
A Voice That Helped Launch a Metal Legacy
Paul Di’Anno fronted Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981, lending his gritty, punk-influenced vocals to the band’s first two albums — Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981). These records were instrumental in defining the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and remain iconic in the band’s vast discography.
Songs like “Phantom of the Opera,” “Running Free,” and “Wrathchild” captured the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the era, with Di’Anno’s snarling delivery standing in sharp contrast to the more operatic styles that would later define Iron Maiden’s sound.
Despite leaving the band due to lifestyle conflicts and personal struggles, Di’Anno remained a cult figure in the heavy metal community, revered for his contributions to one of the genre’s most influential acts.
Life Beyond Iron Maiden
Following his departure from Iron Maiden, Di’Anno launched a solo career and fronted several bands including Battlezone, Killers, and Paul Di’Anno’s Gogmagog. Though none reached the commercial heights of his Iron Maiden days, Di’Anno maintained a loyal global following and continued to tour and record music for decades.
In recent years, he had been living in the UK after spending time in Brazil and other parts of Europe. His declining health limited his public appearances, but he remained active in the studio and regularly engaged with fans on social media.
Tributes Pour In
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and musicians across the world. Former Iron Maiden bandmates and members of the broader metal community have begun sharing messages of condolence, recognizing Di’Anno’s unique voice and foundational role in one of rock’s most enduring legacies.
“Without Paul, there is no Iron Maiden as we know it,” one fan wrote. “He gave the band its first identity — raw, real, and unmistakably heavy.”
