Before recording their first album in 1980, Iron Maiden had many different singers and the first one was Paul Mario Day, who passed away at the age of 69, a victim of cancer. He was part of the band from December 1975 until October 1976. The only known member of the band was part of the line-up back then was the group’s founder and creator Steve Harris. With the news of Day’s passing the band posted a tribute on their social media.
Iron Maiden reacts to the death of their first singer
“We are deeply saddened that Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden’s first ever vocalist back in 1975, has passed away. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Paul’s family and friends. Paul was a lovely person and good mate. Rest in peace Paul,” the band said.
After being fired by the band in 1976, he continued in the music business. Day was the vocalist of More from 1980 to 1981, playing at the Donington Monsters of Rock Festival. That band also included the onetime Iron Maiden guitarist Paul Todd (Was in the band for only two days) and the former Def Leppard drummer Frank Noone. From 1983 to 1984 he was the frontman of Wildfire and in 1985 when Sweet was re-formed by Andy Scott and Mick Tucker, Paul Mario Day was their lead singer, recording a live album at the Marquee Club in London.
In 2019 the original line-up of Iron Maiden reunited in London with him on vocals, Steve Harris on bass, Dave Sullivan and Terry Rance on guitar. The only surviving ex-Iron Maiden vocalists now are Dennis Wilcock (From 1976 to 1978) and Blaze Bayley (1994 t0 1999).
Paul Di’Anno, who was the singer on the band’s first two albums “Iron Maiden” (1980) and “Killers” (1981) passed away in 2024 at the age of 66.