Paul Di’Anno, the first singer to record with British metal icons Iron Maiden, has died. Conquest Music shared the news on behalf of Di’Anno’s family, but did not provide a cause of death, only pointing out that the musician had “suffered from serious health issues in recent years.” Di’Anno was 66 years old.

Di’Anno was born Paul Andrews in England in 1958. He was invited to audition for the band by Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris in the late 1970s. “It became more or less clear to me that Maiden had the potential to become a successful international act, provided they found the right line-up and, above all, the right frontman,” recalls Di’Anno. “Maiden had had other singers before, but none of them had the voice or personality needed to bring the band world-class success. When I auditioned, I realized that my voice was a perfect fit for metal and that even though I had never sung this type of music before, I was the one Maiden needed to make it big. And Steve’s incredible trust in his music and his band convinced me to take the job straight away, without asking any questions.”

Di’Anno – with Harris, guitarists Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton, and drummer Clive Burr – released the first Iron Maiden studio album in April 1980. Harris made only one other album, Iron Maiden, 1981 Murdererbefore being replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who still serves as the group’s lead singer.

After leaving Iron Maiden, Di’Anno founded or joined numerous groups, including Di’Anno, Gogmagog, Battlezone, Killers and Praying Mantis. He also made several solo albums and often recorded with his former Iron Maiden bandmate Dennis Stratton. Di’Anno published his memoirs, The beastin 2010.

“We are all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Di’Anno today,” Iron Maiden wrote in a group statement. “Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been on as a band for almost five decades. His groundbreaking presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be fondly remembered not only by us, but by fans around the world.”