By Monk
Paul Di’Anno, the original singer with heavy metal megastars Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 66.
Di’Anno, whose real name was Paul Andrews, joined Maiden in 1978 and appeared on the band’s first two studio albums, ‘Iron Maiden’ and ‘Killers’, as well as the legendary ‘The Soundhouse Tapes’ and ‘Maiden Japan’ EPs, before being replaced by Bruce Dickinson at the end of 1981.
Following his departure from Maiden, he went on to follow a solo career, as well as front bands such as Battlezone, Gogmagog and Warhorse.
The singer had a well-known battle with drink and drugs, and ill-health had resulted in him making his increasingly infrequent live appearances in a wheelchair in recent years.
He died peacefully at his home in Salisbury.