Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno’s cause of death has been revealed after his death last month at the age of 66.
Paul Andrews – who was born May 17, 1958 and is better known by his stage name Paul Di’Anno, died at home in Salisbury. He was a beloved former member of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden.
A cause of death was finally revealed yesterday via his sisters Cheryl and Michelle: ‘Basically he had a tear in the sac around the heart and blood has filled inside it from the main aorta artery and that has caused the heart to stop.’
The news was posted via the official Paul Di’Anno page on Facebook, with the post noting his death was ‘instantaneous and hopefully painless.’
A statement from Iron Maiden was shared to their social media account at the time of his death: ‘We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today.
‘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.’
He continued: ‘His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world.
‘On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the whole Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest in peace Paul.’
Di’Anno’s death was confirmed in a statement, which said: ‘On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno.
‘Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.
‘Born in Chingford, East London on 17th May 1958, Paul first came to prominence as lead singer of English Heavy Metal band, Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981.
‘He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden, and the influential follow-up release, Killers.’
The statement concluded that while he may have been best known for his work with Iron Maiden, he had a lengthy career after departing from the band.
‘Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di’Anno had a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances.’
The singer was a key member of the band for three years from 1978 until 1981 and went on to perform in several other bands including Battlezone, Gogmagog, Killers, and Architects of Chaoz.
In his later life, the singer continued to perform on stage despite his deteriorating health.
In 2023, Di’Anno performed from a wheelchair at his first UK show in 10 years at KK’s Steelmill in Wolverhampton, England.
The band has had various iterations over the past five decades with 13 former members and six current members.
Tributes for the singer came immediately after his death was announced, with many commending him for the first two Iron Maiden albums and labelling him a legend.
Iron Maiden, which now consists of Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Bruce Dickinson, Nicko McBrain, and Janick Gers, is currently on a world tour.
The Future Past World tour is currently in the USA, and the band has yet to release a statement about the former member.