Birth and Early Life
- May 17, 1958: Paul Di’Anno was born in Chingford, East London, England. He grew up in a working-class family, which influenced his music career.
Education and Early Musical Endeavors
- 1970s: Di’Anno began his musical journey in various local bands, including a punk band called the Paedophiles, where he developed a raw, guttural vocal style that set him apart.
Iron Maiden Era
- 1978: Paul Di’Anno joined Iron Maiden as their lead vocalist. His tenure with the band was marked by the release of their first two albums, Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981).
- 1981: Iron Maiden gained international recognition, and Di’Anno became known for his energetic performances and distinctive voice.
- 1982: He left Iron Maiden, facing challenges with substance abuse and personal issues.
Formation of Battlezone
- 1986: Di’Anno formed Battlezone and released their debut album, Fighting Back. The band toured Brazil, attracting sold-out crowds before returning to smaller venues in the UK.
- 2008: A compilation album, The Fight Goes On, was released, featuring all three Battlezone studio albums.
Killers and Further Musical Ventures
- 1990: Di’Anno reformed Killers, leading to the release of Murder One in 1992. The album was recorded in the US with a new lineup.
- 1995: He faced legal issues, leading to a jail sentence for drug-related offenses. Di’Anno began writing songs for Killers’ second album during this time.
- 1996: The band released Menace to Society, which received mixed reviews.
Later Career and Collaborations
- 2000-2001: Di’Anno worked with Brazilian musicians and recorded an album under the name Nomad. This project aimed to cater to the South American market.
- 2008-2010: He toured with a Brazilian band named RockFellas, performing classic rock and metal songs.
Personal Life Challenges
- 2011: Di’Anno was convicted of benefit fraud and sentenced to nine months in jail, serving only two for good behavior.
- 2014: He released a solo album with Architects of Chaoz titled The League of Shadows and continued to tour.
Health Issues and Retirement
- 2016: Di’Anno faced serious health challenges, leading to hospitalization and the cancellation of tours.
- 2021: A crowdfunding campaign was launched to support his knee surgery, which he eventually underwent in Croatia, aided financially by Iron Maiden.
Final Years
- 2024: Paul Di’Anno passed away at his home in Salisbury, England, after suffering from severe health issues that had restricted him to performing in a wheelchair. His death was confirmed by Conquest Music.
Legacy
- Paul Di’Anno is remembered for his influential role in the heavy metal genre, particularly as the original vocalist for Iron Maiden. His unique vocal style and contributions to music continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
