SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Paul Andrews, better known by his stage name, Paul Di’Anno, of Iron Maiden fame has died at the age of 66.
Conquest Music, a U.K.-based record label, confirmed the death online saying Di’Anno had passed in his Salisbury home after being “troubled by severe health issues” in recent years.
Iron Maiden responded to the news in a statement that the group was deeply saddened to learn about his passing.
“Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been traveling as a band for almost five decades,” the band said. “His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world.”
Di’Anno fronted Iron Maiden during for four years during the band’s early success with its first two albums – the self-titled album “Iron Maiden” in 1980 and “Killers” in 1981. Di’Anno left Iron Maiden in 1981 but continued his musical career with several groups including Di’Anno, Battlezone, and Killers.
Despite the complications with his health, Conquest Music said Di’Anno continued to entertain fans around the world in a wheelchair, performing over 100 shows since 2023.
“It’s just so sad he’s gone,” said Steve Harris, one of the founding members of Iron Maiden. “I was in touch with him only recently as we texted each other about West Ham and their ups and downs. At least he was still gigging until recently, it was something that kept him going, to be out there whenever he could. He will be will be missed by us all. Rest in peace mate.”