The cause of death for Paul Di’Anno, the legendary former lead singer of Iron Maiden, has now been confirmed. The musician, who passed away at the age of 66, had been battling several severe health issues in recent years. His death was announced by Conquest Music, his longtime record label, on October 21, 2024.
In an official statement posted on Di’Anno’s Facebook page on November 11, his family revealed the tragic cause of death: a tear in the sac around his heart. This tear, which caused blood to fill the sac from the main aorta artery, ultimately led to his heart stopping. His passing was described as instantaneous and, hopefully, painless.
The statement, authorized by Di’Anno’s family, read: “We have received permission to bring you the news of Paul’s cause of death, after the results of the autopsy have been received. His sisters, Cheryl and Michelle, confirmed the following: ‘Basically, he had a tear in the sac around the heart and blood filled inside it from the main aorta artery, which caused the heart to stop.’ May he rest in peace.”
This devastating news followed a period where Di’Anno had been struggling with health complications that had left him unable to perform as he once did. Over the past few years, Di’Anno had been restricted to performing in a wheelchair due to these ongoing health challenges. Despite this, he remained dedicated to his fans, performing over 100 shows globally since 2023, which showcases his enduring commitment to his music and the fans who adored him.
On the same day as his passing announcement, Iron Maiden shared their own tribute to the former frontman. The band expressed their profound sadness and acknowledged the immense contribution Di’Anno made to the band’s early years. “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,” the band wrote on social media, alongside a photograph of Di’Anno with bassist Steve Harris. “His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered.”
Di’Anno was the voice behind Iron Maiden’s first two iconic albums, Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981). His distinctive vocal style helped shape the early sound of the band, propelling them to fame. However, after struggling with addiction, Di’Anno parted ways with Iron Maiden in 1981 and was replaced by Bruce Dickinson. Despite his departure, Di’Anno continued to have a successful career in music, fronting bands such as Gogmagog, Battlezone, and his eponymous group, Di’Anno.
The announcement of his death came shortly after an “In Memoriam” concert held at Underworld Camden in London, where friends, family, and fans gathered to celebrate Di’Anno’s life and legacy. The tribute show featured a live music performance that allowed fans and fellow musicians to bid a fond farewell to the rock icon. The event was a testament to the lasting impact Di’Anno had on the heavy metal community.
Paul Di’Anno will always be remembered as one of the pioneers of heavy metal, and his contributions to the genre, especially during the early days of Iron Maiden, have left an indelible mark on rock music. Fans and musicians alike will continue to honor his memory for years to come.
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