Former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno sadly passed away last month at the age of 66. The frontman appeared on the band’s first two full-length studio efforts, both of which are considered among the most influential albums in all of heavy metal.
A message was posted Monday via Di’Anno’s social media detailing the singer’s cause of death.
“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,” read a statement. “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.”
Iron Maiden previously paid tribute to Di’Anno via social media: “We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di’Anno earlier today. Paul’s contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades. His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world. We were very grateful to have had the chance to catch up a couple of years ago and to spend time with him once more.”
“On behalf of the band, (managers) Rod (Smallwood) and Andy (Taylor), and the whole Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and close friends. Rest in peace, Paul.”
Longtime Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson also gave a lengthy tribute to Di’Anno on stage at the band’s recent concert in Saint Paul, Minnesota. “Paul was instrumental in the first two albums, groundbreaking with ‘Killers’ and the first album,” Dickinson said. “An amazing voice, devoted to rock and roll right up ’til the last minute of his life.”
