Di’Anno sang on the band’s groundbreaking first two albums, Iron Maiden and Killers.

Kevin Nixon/Metal Hammer Magazine/Future via Getty

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Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno has died; he was 66.

The news was confirmed by his longtime label Conquest Music in a statement shared on social media on Monday, October 21st.

“On behalf of his family, Conquest Music regrets to confirm the passing of Paul Andrews, known professionally as Paul Di’Anno. Paul died at his home in Salisbury aged 66,” the English rocker’s statement read. “Despite suffering from serious health problems in recent years that limited him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, logging well over 100 shows as of 2023.”

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Iron Maiden paid tribute to their social media with a photo of Di’Anno with bassist Steve Harris.

“We are all deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Di’Anno today,” the band’s statement said. “Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and set us on the path we have been on as a band for almost five decades. His pioneering presence as a frontman and singer, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be greatly appreciated.” Not only us, but also fans around the world remember this.

Di’Anno was born in Chingford, east London, in 1958. The singer spent his teenage years in various bands before being introduced to the earliest version of Iron Maiden by drummer Doug Sampson. Di’Anno joined the band in 1978. After recording their debut EP The Smallwood Tapes That same year, Iron Maiden’s popularity grew and a year later they received a record deal with EMI.

Di’Anno provided lead vocals for the band’s first two albums in the 1980s Iron Maiden and 1981 Murderer. After struggling with drug addiction, Di’Anno was relieved of his singing duties in 1981 and replaced by Bruce Dickinson. He then fronted several other bands including Gogmagog, Battlezone and his self-titled band Di’Anno.

The metal singer struggled with various health issues before his death. In 2021, Di’Anno launched a crowdfund to finance knee surgery after discovering a “golf ball-sized abscess” in his leg. His former band contributed to the remaining costs. In an interview with the Mexican News Agency MB LiveDi’Anno stated that further complications almost cost him his life.

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“When I arrived in England I only had 45 minutes to live, with sepsis and all. So they pumped me full of antibiotics. I spent eight months in the hospital,” he explained. “The band were really cool with the last treatment – ​​they paid for the last few months of treatments, which was good. I will be forever grateful for that.”

In the years that followed, Di’Anno faced increasing health concerns.

“I have been very sick for the last few months and have had one infection after another because I contracted pneumonia in Mexico last year. I was over there doing physical therapy after I finished a tour,” the singer said in an interview with The metal voice in June, four months before his death.

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Read the original article on People.