Iron Maiden is paying tribute to former lead singer Paul Di’Anno, who has passed away at the age of 66.
In a video captured by fans and posted to social media site X, current lead singer Bruce Dickinson paid tribute to Di’Anno when the band performed on October 22 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
“I don’t want to cause any harm to the proceedings. [but] Our friend, our band member, Paul Di’Anno, passed away, as you probably know. And if you weren’t aware of that fact, you are aware of it now,” Dickinson began.
Dickinson continued to pay tribute to her “groundbreaking” predecessor.
“Paul was instrumental on the first two albums… A wonderful voice, devoted to rock ‘n’ roll until the last minute of his life,” he continued.
As the entire street cheered, Dickinson then asked them to take a moment to remember Di’Anno.
“For those who were born and still remember those first albums – when obviously I wasn’t in the band and neither was he – and who are fans of what he did with Battlezone and the his own project after that, and for anyone else who wants to listen to songs like ‘Remember Tomorrow’ and stuff like that, which is really great – I’m just asking everyone to just take a few seconds, ” he added.
“Close your eyes in silence and say – just internally, in your mind – if you believe in God, if you don’t believe in God, it really doesn’t matter, just believe in what you believe and just say, ‘Thank you, boss, for doing what you did,'” Dickinson added.
He then went on to speak directly to Di’Anno.
“So, Paul, if you’re listening, here’s a little message from Minneapolis to wherever it is, upstairs or downstairs… Minneapolis, for Paul Di’Anno, give me a shout!” Dickinson concluded.
Watch Iron Maiden pay tribute to late singer Paul Di’Anno.
Time machine in St. Paul Minnesota
VIDEO CREDIT: Capnharis pic.twitter.com/BA6YH3qNmu
– Metalhead Marv🇨🇦 (@MetalheadMarv) October 23, 2024
Di’Anno was the band’s lead singer from 1978 to 1981 and sang on the group’s debut album as well as its follow-up album. Killer. He was eventually replaced by Dickinson, who had been the group’s leader since his introduction.
No cause of death has been given at this time, although the newspaper reported that Di’Anno had been struggling with illness for several years.
After his time with Iron Maiden, he continued to front the bands Battlezone and Killers and released several solo albums.
Iron Maiden previously honored Di’Anno with a post on their Instagram account following his death.
“We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him again a few years ago and spend time with him again. On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, as well as the entire Iron Maiden team, we send our Deepest sympathy to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest in peace Paul,” they said.
Before his death, he still planned to perform in 2025.
Tags Iron Maid, Deceased