Iron Maiden's Paul Di'Anno’s Cause of Death Revealed
Paul Di'Anno, former lead vocalist for Iron Maiden, passed away at age 66, with his cause of death recently confirmed. Di'Anno’s label, Conquest Music, initially shared the news of his passing on October 21, acknowledging the health struggles he had faced over recent years.
An official statement posted on Di'Anno’s Facebook page on November 11, with permission from his family, provided further details. His sisters, Cheryl and Michelle, confirmed that the cause of death was due to a “tear in the sac around the heart,” leading to blood filling the sac from the main aorta, which caused his heart to stop. The family expressed hope that Di'Anno’s passing was instantaneous and without pain.
In memory of Di'Anno, fans, friends, and family gathered at a commemorative event at Underworld Camden, where his musical colleagues performed a heartfelt farewell. Known for his dynamic stage presence and contributions to the heavy metal genre, Di'Anno’s passing has left a significant impact on his fans and fellow musicians.
Di'Anno gained fame as Iron Maiden’s lead vocalist on their first two albums, Iron Maiden (1980) and Killers (1981), helping to shape the band's early sound and influence. His gritty, raw voice and energetic performances were instrumental in setting Iron Maiden on its journey to becoming one of the most iconic metal bands in the world. After leaving Iron Maiden in 1981 due to personal challenges, including struggles with addiction, Di'Anno pursued music with other bands, including Gogmagog, Battlezone, and his self-titled project, Di'Anno.
Dear fans and friends
We have received permission from Paul's family to bring you the news of Paul's cause of death, after the results of the autopsy have been received. His sisters Cheryl and Michelle confirmed the following: "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." Paul's death was instantaneous and hopefully painless. May he rest in peace.
This weekend, an In Memoriam show was held at Underworld Camden, where many of Paul's fans, friends, colleagues and family members came. With a magnificent musical set, his musical colleagues said a worthy farewell to their friend.
Photo by Steve Ritchie / www.metaltak.net
Iron Maiden paid tribute to Di'Anno on social media, acknowledging his vital role in the band’s history and his lasting influence on their trajectory. The band shared a photo of Di'Anno with bassist Steve Harris, honoring his contributions and reflecting on his legacy.
Despite facing severe health issues in recent years, which limited his mobility and required him to perform in a wheelchair, Di'Anno remained active in music, performing over 100 shows since 2023. His resilience and dedication to entertaining fans, even amidst his health struggles, underscored his commitment to his craft and to the fans who supported him throughout his career.
Di'Anno’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy endures through the music and memories he leaves behind. His contributions to Iron Maiden and the broader heavy metal genre will continue to resonate with fans and musicians alike.
