Paul Di"anno

Paul Di'Anno is a British singer best known as the original lead vocalist of the legendary heavy metal band **Iron Maiden**. He was with the band from 1978 to 1981 and provided vocals on their first two albums: *"Iron Maiden"* (1980) and *"Killers"* (1981). His rough, punk-influenced voice was a key element of Iron Maiden’s early sound, blending traditional heavy metal with a more raw and aggressive edge.

### Early Life and Career

Paul Di'Anno was born on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, Essex, England. Before joining Iron Maiden, he was involved in various punk rock and heavy metal bands, which shaped his unique vocal style. His rebellious attitude and raw singing fit well with the band’s early days, when Iron Maiden was still developing its signature sound.

### Time with Iron Maiden

Paul Di'Anno’s tenure with Iron Maiden coincided with the band’s breakthrough in the UK heavy metal scene, particularly as a key part of the *New Wave of British Heavy Metal* (NWOBHM). The self-titled debut album, *"Iron Maiden"*, released in 1980, included classics like “Running Free” and “Phantom of the Opera.” Di’Anno’s voice was characterized by a punk-rock aggression that helped define the band's early identity.

The follow-up album, *"Killers"* (1981), solidified their success and featured tracks like “Wrathchild” and “Murders in the Rue Morgue.” However, Di'Anno's hard-living lifestyle, including issues with drugs and alcohol, led to tensions within the band. His behavior affected his performances and eventually resulted in his departure in 1981.

### Post-Iron Maiden Career

After leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di'Anno pursued various solo projects and bands. Some of his notable ventures include:

- **Di'Anno**: A band he formed after leaving Iron Maiden, blending heavy metal with hard rock influences.

- **Battlezone**: A project in the mid-1980s, more in the vein of traditional metal.

- **Killers**: A band named after his second Iron Maiden album, formed in the 1990s, which saw some success in the metal underground.

  

Despite never achieving the commercial success of Iron Maiden, Di'Anno maintained a loyal following. His career has been marked by a combination of ups and downs, with several tours, albums, and collaborations with other metal artists.

### Later Years and Health Struggles

In recent years, Paul Di'Anno has faced significant health issues, including problems with his knees that have led to limited mobility. He underwent multiple surgeries, and in 2021, fans raised funds for his medical treatment. Despite his health challenges, Di'Anno continues to be an iconic figure in the metal world, recognized for his role in shaping the early sound of Iron Maiden and heavy metal in general.

His raw, powerful vocals remain a key part of Iron Maiden's legacy, and his contributions to the band’s early success are still celebrated by fans of the genre.