A Tribute to Paul Di'Anno (1958-2024)

[@JaredRobbins2]

Killers has always been my favorite Iron Maiden album. Will be playing it today. Paul was always the coolest singer in the band. One of the coolest frontmen ever. He will be missed. R.I.P.

[@dsallen7914]

Same here. Killers is not quite the critical or fan favorite of the entire catalog, but it's the one that always spoke to me, and that I always come back to more than any other Maiden disc. RIP

[@jimmycampbell78]

Absolutely. Play it loud- it's the heaviest most aggressive record Iron Maiden ever made.

[@kkmrcrowley14]

100%

[@briankelman2325]

My favourite too. Thank you to Q107 Toronto for playing it when it came out in '81.

[@coilfan09]

100 percent agree killers is my favorite too!!

[@christophercoles4401]

So sad. Paul was a terrific vocalist. Those early Maiden records were among the best NWOHM albums of all time. Rest easy Paul. ✌️

[@carlobenedetti2407]

Those two albums are the essence of metal in my opinion

[@Rockerlady]

Agreed! I like Bruce, but Paul's Maiden albums are amazing. Really captured what the British metal scene was about.

[@thekivster]

His voice was perfect for those first two albums

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

Those first two Maiden albums are timeless.

[@izadine]

Thanks for your fine words about Paul di'Anno. I loved the three first albums, the two tou talk about and I did also like The number of the beast album with Dickinson. I liked Clive Burr's drummong and he wete on all three alvums But the energy you talk about from di'Annos two albums were spot on. I went ro a concery on the ' Powerslave Tour" and then I stopped listening to new stuff. Fast forward and I saw a poster in my homerown which said di'Anno on it. I went there (didn' really know if it would be a cover band or not but there he was. And when he started ro sing Wrathchild it struck me why I once started listening to maiden. It all came back to me. I saw him live once more (bith times in Sweden) and got to talk to him.?He had a good sence of humour and was really nice. I have throfhout the years keptbon listening to the old song. I bought the live dvd from Hammersmith a long time ago. He will always bevthe main reason why I started listening to Maiden. Running Free caught my attention and the rest is history. R.I.P Paul and Clive Burr.

[@hernsg144]

Paul vocals on the first 2 albums are incredible. Strange world is such a trippy song. Bruce is great but there's something to Pauls voice that Bruce can't touch and vice versa of course. Paul had more an aggressive gritty growl, and he could hit those high notes. Rip Paul, you'll always be remembered.

[@grahamturner1290]

RIP Paul. I saw him with Maiden on 3 tours in 1980 and 1981. 🎸

[@tomp8463]

RIP. The first two Maiden albums are awesome and real classics.

[@steelerfreak1977]

Di’Anno is my favorite Maiden singer and I make no apologies for that. This was a gut punch. R.I.P. Paul and thank you for the many hours of listening pleasure.

[@thewurm9177]

Ditto 🤘🤘

[@mikatu]

You don't have to make apologies, since you are 100% wrong!

[@steelerfreak1977]

@@mikatu I’m wrong that he’s my favorite Maiden singer? Yeah you don’t get to speak for me pal. GFY

[@brando851]

@@mikatu found Bruces’ burner account

[@tillwesenberg1178]

I will miss you, Paul. My favourite Maiden singer forever. Rest In Peace. ❤🌹🤘 "Scan the horizon, the clouds take me higher. I shall return from out of the fire.".

[@skolsaw1080]

Horrible news to wake up to. Paul Di’ano’s vocals were truly unique. I love the bloodcurdling haunting sound of his voice that made the first two iron maiden records so special. It’s too bad he didn’t continue doing the same sort of stuff after he left Maiden. I was always hoping that his health would improve. It’s just so sad. Love you Paul RIP.

[@63mckenzie]

Was lucky to see Maiden in their early days. He was a magnificent front man. Those first two albums will ensure his legend status. Condolences to his family.

[@mark_beastpriest5539]

The first two Iron Maiden albums were my favourite. "Killers" was their masterwork, and Paul's voice made it all the more special. He's going to missed by all the faithful Maiden fans around the world.

[@youthiswastedontheyoung]

The Wrathchild is running free! (RIP Paul.) I have always wondered what a 3rd Di'Anno Maiden album would sound like!

[@EnterTheDragonsLair7777]

I love that debut album . R.I.P. Paul Di'Anno

[@b2tall239]

I'm 60. This stuff is scary. RIP Mr. Di'Anno. He'll always be a legend.

[@PeterSully76]

The debut Iron Maiden album will always be one of my favourites.

[@aslandama]

Pete your tributes are always perfect! I have the first album on original cassette, now a rare gem!

[@747jono]

Pete wonderful eulogy as always

[@mirceahugyecz1749]

R.I.P. PAUL😥 (the first 2 MAIDEN albums are still my favorite since 1980-81)

[@tarakb7606]

Same here.

[@russw3736]

Rip Paul. In the 80s I never got the Bruce stuff at first and the first album was my gateway in, especially Iron Maiden, Charlotte the Harlot and Phantom of the Opera. So raw and street sounding. His performance on Strange World is seriously underrated.

[@XYZ-ii6vs]

Best of all 3 Maiden Singers in my opinion

[@pjones8404]

There is no Iron Maiden for Bruce to join if Paul hadn't delivered on the first two albums. Not unlike departed Clive Burr, Paul's vocals can't be replicated and regardless of the immense talents of Nicko and Bruce, none of those songs from the first two albums have ever sounded right with anyone else performing them. I remember everything about the day my neighbor and I discovered the debut album very shortly after its release and sitting and hearing it for the first time. The world changed that day. The world has changed yet again. Thank you for your amazing talents and your amazing contributions to one of my all-time favorite bands. Those first two albums are timeless and important beyond measure. UP THE IRONS!!! RIP Paul.

[@monkeyhousescouse]

100%

[@maidenrulz73]

Steve was too focused …they’d have found someone else….paul was a great singer but maiden would still be where they are without him

[@cidmontenegro8225]

@@maidenrulz73 Harris was a unstoppable, he was going to have a successful band.

[@maidenrulz73]

@@cidmontenegro8225 absolutely….there’ll be no maiden when Harris says so

[@christophercarty675]

Well said!

[@davidwright4273]

RIP Paul. Remembered always. Thanks for everything. 💐

[@samuraix73]

The first 2 albums will always hold a special place in my heart. And let's not forget some of the great non-album tracks like "Women In Uniform" and "Burning Ambition". No one can ever deny his contribution to one of the most legendary bands in the entire world. RIP Paul Di'Anno, you will be missed. 😢

[@kevinm5957]

Agreed, plus the Maiden Japan live EP

[@mikatu]

@@kevinm5957 Plus the Live at Rainbow.

[@MrRockingDodge]

I played Guitar on his Touring Band in the 2000s and years later i created the "Hell over Waltrop" Live Album which helped bringing him back into Public Interest and we kept working on Things.. The News today hit me like a Hammer.

[@DavidMorley]

He was the best for maiden. Rip. What a voice. Honest and powerful. No false operatics. Just rock. 🤘

[@jamesjukebox2386]

Tragic! Those two early Metal/Punk albums from Maiden blew everyone away at the time with their energy and his style and a great influence on Metallica etc R.I.P Paul. Remember tomorrow.

[@del2591]

RIP Paul; thanks for the music & memories...✝️✝️✝️ 😥

[@martinfranco3716]

Wasn't expecting this as I thought he was improving day by day. The first two Maiden albums rival any band in history for the best opening one, two punch to start your career. I was 16 when the NWOBHM arrived and will never forget witnessing it in real time. Spearheaded by the debut and Killers with Paul's punk metal vocals, he was responsible for starting a metal revolution. God bless and goodnight, Mr. DiAnno. 🤘🤘🙏🙏

[@mr.sophistication4080]

I was 12 years old when I heard the new song Wrathchild on the radio, my introduction to Iron Maiden. It was a revelation, really great and felt like important new music. And it was.

[@robmlisanti]

Thanks Pete....I was lucky enough to see them in 1981 at Asbury Convention Hall in NJ those first two albums were amazing, raw, gritty, there are times I had wished Maiden would have done more of that...Rest In Peace Paul..

[@garyjoyce2160]

Wow. ASBURY park. Damn. Didn’t even know he ever performed there. Nice 👍

[@Canuck1000]

I used to have a bootleg CD of that show. It was amazing. It was the only time I heard Iron Maiden screw up a song (Iron Maiden). Paul was a true professional and was able re-join the rest of the band (lyrics-wise) without missing a beat.

[@trv411]

I wonder why they never got him when Bruce left. Was his health that bad?

[@adamwarlock3530]

RIP. He was my favorite Iron Maiden singer.

[@martynthomas7486]

I saw him last October at Shepherd's Bush supporting KK's Priest. He didn't moan, he came out in a wheelchair and gave it his all. That's what rock legends do- just like Lemmy, Dio and so many others who performed until they literally couldn't stand. Such a message to those milennial diva snowflakes who come on stage 3 hours late, mumble through a few songs and then run off because they're 'tired and emotional'. R.I.P Paul.

[@nicholastahan7670]

Paul is now in great company with the likes of Lemmy, Ronnie James. He's late bandmate Clive Burr. May he Rest In Peace. A profoundly sad day. 😥

[@roopher2]

I was at that gig! We were very impressed by Paul and his band and his gritty determination to perform. A sad ,sad loss.

[@mikatu]

Do you know why he was performing until the end? He had no money and he needed to get pad somehow. Maybe you are not aware but Paul never received royalties from Killers, the first album I don't know, because he accepted a payment and sold them.

[@tord9707]

RIP Paul. Thanks for your contribution.

[@duncanbleak3819]

My favorite Iron Maiden vocalist. Obviously, my two favorite LPs. May he RIP🤘!

[@grumqa]

While I have immense respect for Bruce and thought Blaze was better than he was given credit for, the two Paul albums are by far my favorites. I should really check out Battlezone. RIP Paul, you made two of the best records in the genre for sure. Great tribute, Pete.

[@Alanb_69]

Those first 2 albums mean so much to me. Thank You. RIP Paul. 😢 ❤

[@conalcochran156]

Those 2 albums have and will always be my favorite Maiden albums. Also, Maiden Japan was excellent as well. May the beast R.I.P. 🤘🏻

[@LALEDOLENT]

Very sad. Thank you for this well-deserved tribute to a legend who gave us the first two Iron Maiden albums.

[@SuperChangcho]

RIP Paul; thank you for the music and may you happily wander through that Strange World you sang about...

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

RIP Paul Di'anno. Thank you for the music.

[@marksimpson4258]

Thanks SOT ❤️ he was amazing back at the start of maiden.

[@danbal4185]

I had the privilege to drink a beer with him after his show with "Killers" in 2002 here in Italy and to pump him up i've told him: "man, you will always be the true voice of Maiden!". And Paul: "yeah, yeah... but now i'm Punk!". Absolute legend.

[@lukatts]

RIP Paul Di'Anno. I saw him live with Iron Maiden 1980 in Finland. One of my first gigs and still the loudest one.

[@thedarkwizardroom]

Great nice tribute Pete! Iron Maiden a staple major band many that have followed for years. Paul being the one singer and the others to martial in the heavy metal sound and start of Maiden always dedicated to Mr Di Anno . The voice of those first two albums and the other projects bands and solo material that kept him relevant. He loved to be out their with his fans that would see him. I got a glimpse of Maiden in 81 along with Whitesnake who both opened for Judas Priest. And me having the two Maiden albums as well as Paul Di Anno's Killers band live album and Di Anno solo album all on cds. So great and he's on Iron Maiden tribute comp cd set I have as well. What a voice and songs of lyrics that will stand well to love going onward. RIP Paul DI Anno and thanks for the memories. 🎤🎶

[@Alexanderpaal67]

Thank You For This & remembering this true Rock Soldier… Running Free 🦾 Now You Are Finally Free 🔥 R.I.P ✝️ You Will never be forgotten. We met You in Oslo as we randomly stumbeled on each other in the hotel elevator as We’re staying in the same hotel fall of 1992. We Went to Your show that night at ElmStreet Club across the street from that hotel… Good Memories 😎 Regards From Norway 🇳🇴

[@dtltmtgt]

Glad he met with Bruce and that Steve made efforts to help him. RIP

[@brothermaynardsbrother]

A great tribute! Hear Hear! Paul's work on the first two Maiden records is timeless (e.g. the supreme "Phantom of the Opera"). "Killers" is my favorite Maiden album - it is simply amazing. As you mentioned, Paul's vocals were ideal for the material. Paul made the world a better place. PS - really dig the media wall

[@atlasking6110]

First IM concert was 1980, the Killers Tour, opening for Judas Priest at Shea's Buffalo Theater. It was one of the greatest shows I have ever witnessed. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. Paul Di'Anno was a hero to us metalheads. RIP Paul!

[@americathisweek.6077]

Very sad Pete - Paul had his place in the New Wave of British Metal. Brilliant singer - remember tomorrow and Phantom so amazing. RIP 🪦

[@chilly6470]

RIP Paul. I loved the first 2 albums and the live recordings. I was only 2 years old when the first Maiden album came out. I started listening to them when I was 10 and haven't stopped.

[@neugey]

Rest in peace to Paul, glad you are no longer suffering. "Remember Tomorrow" is a real touchstone for me, very special track.

[@steveharris6711]

Great tribute. Thanks for that. Don't forget some of the legendary live cuts such as Maiden Japan, and some great b-sides and bootlegs from back in the day. Along with the first 2 albums, we were treated to some awesome live moments with Paul. 😢

[@richardsmith1055]

Best voice tone in heavy metal! God bless you and protect you in the spiritual world! Thank you Paul Di`anno!

[@monkeyhousescouse]

Loved Paul. What a voice. What a character. Always had time for fans, young and old. Was a legend on the UK circuit in the last 30 years. Loved by all of us in the 🇬🇧.... as.many have said - (sorry Bruce) - D'ianno (for me!) - was THE voice of Maiden and THE voice of the NWOBHM - and was MY way in to harder music back when I was like 10 years old! Killers = my fave Maiden record. Then the debut. RIP Mr. D'ianno. Love to his friends and family at this time xx 😢

[@glennandadriansrocktalk]

Killers was my favorite of theirs for years and years! Thanks for the tribute to Paul. I will being playing those 2 albums tonight.

[@rocknroll1964]

RIP i saw paul and maiden 1980 in stockholm open for kiss unmasked tour ! Great metal singer , Great live !

[@alexkozik3796]

This is a tough one for me personally. I love the first two Maiden albums and as Pete said Paul was so perfect for the material of those 2 albums. His raw, punky, street metal voice added so much energy and character to those albums. Had to listen to Killers last night when I saw this and it put me in a frenzy as it always does. RIP Paul and thank you for your legendary contributions. 😢

[@theshowycaesarshow9257]

Hopefully the first two Iron Maiden albums both get special editions! I think that would be a great tribute to Paul. Rock on man!

[@joshcreasey]

RIP. Those first two Maiden albums are legendary without a doubt thanks in part to him.

[@LooseFlip]

RIP Paul, Killers is still a Killer Album! Love it!

[@JoshManship-qi1sq]

Very nice and heartfelt tribute Pete! Paul and I share the same birthdate. It will always make me remember him every year on my birthday. RIP Paul

[@markkaminski4496]

Me as well. RIP. Paul.

[@bionikball75]

Well said Pete. Thanks for a well deserved tribute post.

[@timetraveller9321]

Such a shock that this great man who fought illness to keep giving us his best on stage, I always had hoped that he would manage to get out of that wheelchair and walk around the stage, but he was on tour recently and gave us his best, it’s really sad that this has come to be, he will be missed , lots of people will be very sad today ,hearing this news there will never be another Paul dianno

[@wakajawaka6297]

Thanks Pete, those first two Maiden records - and the raw "Maiden Japan" Live-EP - will always occupy a special place in my Metal Pantheon! If Maiden were to just play songs from those albums on their 50th-Anniversary tour next year, I'd be more than happy with it, even though Bruce never hit the spot with the old stuff as Paul did, the material was written for him, after all. At least, those shows should focus more on that material to honour his legacy! R.I.P.!

[@craigburgess7105]

Lovely tribute. First metal album I ever bought (aged about 13) was Iron Maiden in 1980, it blew me away, and it led into .....well one thing watching SoT all these years later. Saw them that or the following year with Paul singing and it was great (think they were supporting Judas Priest ?? - hazy now). My 💗💗 will always be with the first two albums ( my head definitely followed the later ones of course ). Maiden made sure he was paid properly too (I hope thats true) and they didn't fall out. RIP Paul

[@stevefletcher6163]

The NWOBHM was my youth I grew up with these bands that were my age give or take. My favourite Maiden albums were the first 2.In fact I saw Maiden with Paul maybe half a dozen times with Bruce just the once. These are my peers and it’s sad and makes me think about making the most of what time we have left ,we never know whats around the corner.

[@petebrown3715]

Thanks Pete for this tribute.

[@laurencegoodwin4047]

I think it’s right to call Paul legendary given Maidens achievements and where they are now , he played a huge part in getting the beast moving and those first two albums are fantastic. It’s a very sad day , thank you Paul , you brought so much to millions, you made your mark on rock and metal , that’s some achievement, you’ll be missed legend

[@RobinKay75]

Those first two Maiden albums are masterpieces. God speed and rest in power, Paul! ✊🏻

[@iainhead9898]

Sad day indeed. Never saw Paul with Maiden, but those two albums are, indeed, seminal. Will listen ti them later tonight and raise a glass! RIP.

[@WillieSurvive1]

I’m gutted over this. Paul brought a rough street edge to Maiden, both with his voice as well as with his stage presence. He really helped make those first two albums such unique, untouchable classics. RIP Paul!

[@PATROLBOAT73]

Great ''from the heart'' statement and conclusion SOT, to a critical time period for Heavy Metal

[@drtopus]

Thank you Pete! Great tribute!

[@michaelrock2265]

Such a tragic loss! Such a tragedy in the world of Metal, especially with those first two albums from Maiden, which some songs are still played today under Dickinson’s reign in the band. I am IN SHOCK. R.I.P. Paul. He died pretty damn young indeed. Crank out the two albums in his honor.

[@RobertWeingher]

I met Paul Di'anno R.I.P. in the flesh at december 1999, i also saw him live 3 times, on our meeting he was the coolest person i ever met, he was polite and nice, i believe that he was one of the best and greatest rock/metal vocalists of all times, it's really a sad day in history, it is sure a sad day for me, God bless his soul!!!

[@BryersMusicShowcase]

Such a real shame indeed 😔 Totally listening to the first Iron Maiden albums in his honor.

[@brucefranklin6295]

I was able to see Maiden on the Killers tour. Only time I was able to see Paul live.Killers is my favorite Maiden album and the first album established that sound. R.I.P.

[@franciskocher200]

R.I.P. Paul. The 1st album is my favorite Iron Maiden album...

[@Heavenly.Harlot]

Paul Di'Anno. One of the best metal singers to ever do it. Raw and all edge. Rest easy.

[@sabinoabdala5685]

Sad news. The two albums that Paul recorded with Maiden are very appreciated by me. I've been listening to them since I was a teenager.

[@yankeefan1208]

I was in high school when those two albums came out and man did I play the hell out of them. I still love them today and will always appreciate Paul’s contribution to the band - RIP

[@jiilaa_with_randomness]

RIP Paul. Unique voice he had. Sad to see him go that young; he really had more to give. 'Purgatory' is my favourite from him.

[@jdeswesley]

I’m pleased SoT posted this. Thanks Pete. The Paul Di’Anno Iron Maiden albums were a HUGE part of my teens and the start of a lifelong love of heavy metal. I listened to Prodigal Son and Prowler tonight. What fantastic music! Rest in Peace Paul

[@Maximillian200HP]

I was just thinking yesterday morning at work that I should listen to their first two albums more and then I got home and saw the news and gave a few tracks a listen. I'll probably listen to them both from start to finish pretty soon. RIP Paul, thoughts to his family and many fans. Lots of people seemed to get to meet him and said good things.

[@DyslexicGod]

That's a beautiful heartfelt eulogy, thank you! RIP Paul Di'Anno 😢

[@Claymore5]

Tragic news - RIP Paul. Love both those first two albums as much as any of the output of the band for the next ten years. Paul had a raspy, punky edge to his voice and I cannot hear Wrathchild without thinking of his interpretation. Rock on in Peace my friend.

[@andysilber2702]

Very well said Pete.

[@65mule]

Rest in peace Mr. Dianno! Those first 2 Maiden albums are all timers for me! I've been a fan since the very beginning!

[@blitzhammer]

I met Paul in 2008 at his concert in my hometown Munich Germany. That night when the concert started he had a bad fall and hurt his leg. Think it was the knee for that he suffered so long. I had the chance to come backstage and hang out with him. He was very cool and signed my Maiden CDs. I asked him if the Maiden guys ever thought about bringing him on stage for some guest performances. He told me Bruce would like to it but Steve was always against it. RIP Paul!

[@hrothgar64]

I was lucky enough to have seen Maiden on the Killer's tour and they were magnificent. They kinda lost something when they let him go. They never sounded quite as fiery again.

[@seanwelch71]

My fave Maiden lps are Killers and Powerslave. Each is the best of the singers. I always wondered-- why didn't DiAnno get brought in by another band circa 1984? Was there an act that wanted him but he said no? Great memorial, Capt. Pete.

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

so so sad saw Paul with Maiden way back in 1980 when they played in my home town (Swansea, UK). was then privileged to meet them the day after in the city's HMV store where they did a PA. my friends and I were the only people who turned up (it was a Monday morning) and spent a good hour talking to them. Paul and Clive both gone too soon. Rock in Peace guys xx

[@robertmarles9665]

Brilliant tribute, thanks for that.

[@schillinger7814]

Cheers Paul and Rest in Peace man. I'll be playing the debut "Iron Maiden" right now, one of my favourites and has always had a special place in my heart.

[@garykelly9475]

Couldn't believe it when my mate sent me a message telling me about this. for all the great albums after, and for all Bruce's contributions and talents, there still remains much that is special about this era. The last time I saw Maiden was at the Glasgow Apollo on the Beast tour. Di'anno (despite many many failings if you've read his autobiography) was the man that helped Maiden become the juggernaut they are now. Killers is still my favourite album even with a stellar run of albums to follow. Gutted as he was due to play the Garage at the start of November. For all the plaudits now being expressed, let's hope we all continue to support the other great NWOBHM still carrying the flag. Satan were magnificent last month, Tygers of Pan Tang still going, Raven, Tytan, Troyen, Prating Mantis, Demon et al, atch them and treasure them while we still can, because we never know when the heartbreaking days like today will fall

[@dannyholloway2007]

Well said Pete! I have heard a lot of people knock Paul and his work with Maiden. I think it is just as important as anything they did with Bruce.

[@thewal1ofsleep]

Great tribute. I love Iron Maiden with Bruce, but there's just something extra special for me about the albums with Paul.