Paul Di’Anno was Iron Maiden‘s vocalist from 1978 to 1981 and was part of their two first albums: “Iron Maiden” (1980) and “Killers” (1981). Although the band became even bigger when he was replaced by Bruce Dickinson on vocals, there are still millions of fans who really loved those two first albums, so besides being part of other less successful bands over the decades, he toured a lot playing the material from those two records.
A fundamental part of the band’s early success, Di’Anno also had many famous fans and friends, who paid tribute to him. The singer passed away last October 21 at the age of 66.
Iron Maiden and Rock stars’ Reactions to the Death of Paul Di’Anno
Iron Maiden/Steve Harris
“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.”
“It’s just so sad he’s gone. 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 missed by us all. Rest in peace mate ⚒⚒’.”
“We were very grateful to have had the chance to catch up a couple of years ago and to spend time with him once more. On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the whole Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest In Peace Paul.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBZJnzcCAlA/
Adrian Smith
“RIP Paul. I remember this moment well, launching the Killers album with a party aboard the #HMSBelfast on the Thames in London. He certainly put his stamp on the first two albums. Condolences to his family.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBaH4WPNitv/?e=bc516424-0ef1-4984-b75e-40c188c57874&g=5
Blaze Bayley
“Very sad to hear of the death of my friend Paul Di’Anno. Paul & I did quite a few tours & concerts together over the years… Sweden Rock, Ukraine, Australia, Scandinavia. He had a great sense of humour & those were crazy times.
His voice & his music with Iron Maiden & his own projects will live on. Fondly remembered, sadly missed. RIP.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBZIGBzqFlV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading
Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
“Sad to hear that Paul Di’Anno has passed away. He, along with the rest of Iron Maiden, revived British metal in late 70’s, early 80’s. RIP. #UpTheIrons @IronMaiden”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBZVexipNz3/
K.K. Downing (ex-Judas Priest)
“RIP Paul Di’Anno… You were a legend and a true Killer
These photos capture a special moment between Paul and KK meeting again after many years, when Paul’s band supported KK’s Priest in Wolverhampton, UK.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBb5Mn5SKQz/?e=858c4f5f-8a3e-46a8-8f80-7a754542639f&g=5
Anthrax
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Paul Di’Anno, the original singer of @ironmaiden His raw energy and unique contribution helped shape the early sound of Iron Maiden and left a lasting impact on the heavy metal community. His work on iconic albums like Iron Maiden and Killers will always be remembered as vital to the band’s legacy.”
“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and all who were influenced by his powerful voice and larger-than-life presence. Rest in peace, Paul. You will be missed, but your music will live on forever.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBZIcK_v9zr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading
Andreas Kisser (Sepultura)
“Rest in peace meu amigo corintiano, a true metal legend! thank you for everything!”
“Meu amigo Corintiano”, means “my friend who is a fan of Corinthians (Brazilian football team)”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBaQYKHNEAv/?e=4cab65af-eab3-4ac1-ac6e-bbdd1710e767&g=5
Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple, Michael Schenker)
“Paul was a great guy! A legend!…Here we are on stage in Bogotá, Colombia with Dave Evans and Rex Caravello on my last birthday (August 2nd)..very sad..My Condolences to his family friends and fans…RIP.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBbbVrjxHD6/?e=b6db47e9-cce0-493e-8e59-e42dcc2eaec2&g=5
David Ellefson (Ex-Megadeth)
“RIP to our beloved former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno. The first two Maiden albums (including the live EP “Maiden Japan”) were major influences on kids like me as we were in our formative years as musicians.
I only met Paul once back in January, 2010 as me & the guys in @hailtheworld_official were heading up to see Eddie Trunk at SiriusXM in NYC as Paul was coming out from his interview just before us. Condolences to his family, friends & fans everywhere….”
https://www.facebook.com/davidellefson/posts/1095393888621877?ref=embed_post
Gary Holt (Exodus, Slayer)
RIP Paul Di’anno , all time legend. So sad. Those first two Iron Maiden albums changed my life. All time greats. Changed heavy metal. Had the pleasure of playing a show in Arizona with Battlezone supporting @exodusbandofficial many years back and he took the fan boy abuse from all of us like a pure gentleman. This suck, far too young
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBZC9INvnkc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading
Exodus
“A massive RIP from all of us to one of @exodusbandofficial all time hero’s, Paul Di’anno. The first two @ironmaiden albums helped shape who we are as a band and he had as much to do with that as all of them. Pure gentleman when we had the pleasure of sharing a stage with him. Thank you for all you gave so many”.
https://www.facebook.com/exodusattack/posts/1122800969208410?ref=embed_post
Gus G. (Ex-Ozzy Osbourne)
“Shocked to hear about Paul Di Anno’s passing. I had the honor to play a few shows w/ Paul in Greece just a couple of years ago. Every time we hung out, we laughed our asses off. I last saw him about a year ago and we talked about making some songs and more shows together down the line. He was in good spirits then.
A true rock n roller, with an uncompromising attitude, he loved the music and his fans and didn’t care for the business. I don’t think he knew how important he was in the Heavy Metal universe. RIP my friend, see you on the other side.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DBZkJKIsuDR/?img_index=1
