https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy0l0nnnekdo

Paul Di'Anno, original singer with Maiden passed away, 66.
RIP

Sad news, only saw him end of August in Leeds but he didn't seem well then.
Still 2 of the best Maiden albums.
RIP Paul

RIP. His contribution to Maiden should not be underestimated.

Early Iron Maiden made a massive contribution to the so called NWOBHM ( new wave of British heavy metal) along with bands like Saxon and Def Leppard. His singing ability was a bit more limited compared to his replacement Bruce Dickinson but there are a significant number of Maiden fans who prefer the Di'Anno stuff . Tbh his health has been suffering for quite some time.

Paul Di'Anno suffered somewhat that not only was Bruce Dickinson a better fit for Iron Maiden, but Number of the Beast was such a success in Dickinson's first outing that everything afterwards was compared to that instead of the first album. Phantom of the Opera takes some beating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5jaRipA5_M

Had no idea he lived in Salisbury!

Saw Maiden on the Killers? Tour at Lancaster Uni Great Hall in 1980? with Paul DiAnno.

They were superb. Not the same band for me once he left and whilst I like Bruce as a bloke they just became another dull rock band.

RIP

I agree with others Phantom is Maiden's best album. It's got s little bit of punk attitude to it as opposed to Dickinson's Rock Opera.

To be fair, Maiden also released lots of great stuff with Dickinson including Senjutsu.