Man. Just saw this today, don't know how I missed it. Paul Di'Anno, original lead singer of Iron Maiden, died in his home on the 21st.
I mean, he was only 66. He'd been having a lot of health issues and was in a wheel chair, but no cause of death has been released.
Iron Maiden was the soundtrack of my youth, and I remember the first time I heard them in '81. I was like 10 years old and it was the Killers album with Paul Di'Anno growling away on vocals. The next album was Number of the Beast with Bruce Dickenson, who was and is a much better frontman, but there will always be a special place in my heart for Paul Di'Anno.
RIP to a great front man, largely responsible for the early days of Maiden's success.
Originally Posted by lcarus:
Love Bruce Dickinson. But the first couple albums with Di'Anno are pretty damn great.
Agreed. Bruce is the iconic voice of Maiden, and one of my biggest influences. That said, Paul had a great presence and vocal presentation that was perfect for the first 2 albums. He could never have done what Bruce did after he left, but damn that dude could rock. [Reply]
Yeah he was awesome in the beginning of Iron Maiden. I saw him w/ IM open up for Judas Priest back in the day. It was Iron Maidens "Killers" tour and Judas Priest's "Heading Out to the Highway" tour. There was no Eddie during this time but merely Paul with an Eddie mask on. Fun to look back now and think about. Awesome show of course!
Paul D did his last 100 shows onstage in a wheelchair. He NEVER gave up and fought the good fight! R.I.P. Paul D! YOU ROCKED! [Reply]