# Paul Di'Anno

> British heavy metal singer (1958–2024)

**Wikidata**: [Q313505](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313505)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Di'Anno)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paul-di-anno

## Summary
Paul Di'Anno was a British heavy metal singer (1958–2024), best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic band Iron Maiden. He was a founding member of the group and contributed to their early sound, shaping the band's identity during its formative years.

## Biography
- Born: May 17, 1958
- Nationality: British
- Education: Attended the University of East London
- Known for: Leading Iron Maiden as their original frontman and defining their early heavy metal sound
- Employer(s): Iron Maiden (1975–1982)
- Field(s): Heavy metal music, rock music

## Contributions
- Founded Iron Maiden in 1975 and served as the band's lead vocalist until 1982.
- Helped establish Iron Maiden's early heavy metal image and sound, which became a cornerstone of the genre.
- Recorded key early albums, including *Iron Maiden* (1980) and *Killers* (1981), which solidified the band's reputation.

## FAQs
**What was Paul Di'Anno's role in Iron Maiden?**
Paul Di'Anno was the lead vocalist of Iron Maiden from the band's inception in 1975 until 1982. He played a crucial role in shaping the group's early sound and image.

**Where did Paul Di'Anno study?**
Paul Di'Anno attended the University of East London.

**What genres of music was Paul Di'Anno associated with?**
Paul Di'Anno was primarily associated with heavy metal and rock music, most notably through his work with Iron Maiden.

**When did Paul Di'Anno leave Iron Maiden?**
Paul Di'Anno left Iron Maiden in 1982 after a creative and personal dispute with the band's management.

## Why They Matter
Paul Di'Anno was instrumental in the early development of Iron Maiden, helping to define the band's heavy metal sound and image. His contributions laid the foundation for Iron Maiden's later success, making him a key figure in the evolution of the genre. His departure in 1982 marked a turning point for the band, leading to the hiring of Bruce Dickinson, who became Iron Maiden's most famous frontman.

## Notable For
- Founding member of Iron Maiden, one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time.
- Helped establish Iron Maiden's early heavy metal sound and image.
- Recorded key early albums, including *Iron Maiden* (1980) and *Killers* (1981).

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Paul Di'Anno was born on May 17, 1958, in the United Kingdom. He attended the University of East London, where he likely developed his early musical interests.

### Career with Iron Maiden
Paul Di'Anno co-founded Iron Maiden in 1975 and served as the band's lead vocalist until 1982. During his tenure, he helped shape the band's heavy metal sound and image, which became synonymous with the genre. Iron Maiden's early albums, including *Iron Maiden* (1980) and *Killers* (1981), were recorded with Di'Anno as the frontman.

### Departure from Iron Maiden
In 1982, Paul Di'Anno left Iron Maiden due to a dispute with the band's management. This departure led to the hiring of Bruce Dickinson, who became Iron Maiden's most famous vocalist and helped propel the band to global fame.

### Later Life and Legacy
After leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di'Anno's later activities are less documented, but his contributions to the band's early years remain significant. He passed away on October 21, 2024. His legacy continues to be celebrated within the heavy metal community, particularly through Iron Maiden's enduring influence on the genre.

## References

1. [The Guardian. 2024](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/21/paul-dianno-early-frontman-for-iron-maiden-dies-aged-66)
2. [BBC News Online. 2024](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0l0nnnekdo)
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Paul Di’Anno, singer who helped Iron Maiden conquer the world. The Daily Telegraph. 2024](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2024/10/27/paul-dianno-iron-maiden-original-singer-died-obituary/)
6. Czech National Authority Database
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. MusicBrainz
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. IMDb
11. [Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di'Anno dead at 66](https://www.loudersound.com/news/former-iron-maiden-singer-paul-dianno-dead-at-66)
12. [Source](https://deadline.com/2024/10/paul-dianno-dead-iron-maiden-1236121990/)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Ex-Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno jailed for benefit fraud. NME. 2011](https://www.nme.com/news/music/iron-maiden-73-1294773)
15. [Source](http://iswcnet.cisac.org/)