**Former Iron Maiden Singer Paul Di'Anno Passes Away at 66**

Paul Di'Anno, the pioneering vocalist who first recorded with the legendary British metal band Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 66. The announcement was made by Conquest Music on behalf of Di'Anno's family, but the specific cause of death was not revealed. It was noted, however, that Di'Anno had been battling severe health issues for several years.

Paul Andrews, known by his stage name Paul Di'Anno, was born in England in 1958. He was handpicked by Iron Maiden's founder and bassist, Steve Harris, to audition for the band in the late 1970s. Reflecting on his initial entry into the band, Di'Anno once remarked, "I recognized that Maiden had the potential to become an international success, provided they had the right line-up and frontman." He felt an immediate connection to the metal genre and believed his voice was what Iron Maiden needed to achieve global recognition.

In April 1980, Di'Anno, along with Steve Harris, guitarists Dave Murray and Dennis Stratton, and drummer Clive Burr, released Iron Maiden's self-titled debut album. This was followed by another album, *Killers*, in 1981. His tenure with the band was short-lived, however, as he was replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who continues to be the band's lead vocalist.

Following his departure from Iron Maiden, Di'Anno embarked on various musical ventures. He formed or joined numerous bands such as Di'Anno, Gogmagog, Battlezone, Killers, and Praying Mantis. Additionally, he produced several solo albums and frequently collaborated with his former Iron Maiden bandmate Dennis Stratton. In 2010, he chronicled his life and career in his memoir, *The Beast*.

Iron Maiden expressed their sorrow in a statement: "We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di'Anno earlier today. Paul's contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades. 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."