IRON MAIDEN Tributes PAUL DI’ANNO At Minnesota Concert — Loaded Radio

Watch Iron Maiden Pay Tribute To Their Original Singer Paul Di’Anno at Recent Concert

More plus the live heavy metal stream at https://loadedradio.com

Iron Maiden took some time to remember their former singer Paul Di’Anno at their concert Tuesday night (October 22) at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Just prior to performing the song “The Time Machine”, singer Bruce Dickinson spoke to the crowd, saying (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): So, this next track is actually called ‘The Time Machine’. And I was watching ‘Back To The Future’ last night on TV and it’s true. It is 1.21 gigawatts of power that you need to put a DeLorean through the portal of time itself.

“I normally tell a story about that [and] we have a bit of fun. But tonight is — I don’t wanna put a downer on the proceedings at all, because our friend, our bandmember Paul Di’Anno passed away, as you are probably aware. And if you’re not aware of that fact, you are now.”

He continued: “ Paul was instrumental in the first two [ MAIDEN] albums, groundbreaking with ‘Killers’ and the first album. An amazing voice, devoted to rock and roll right up till the last minute of his life.

“So… for those of you who were born and still remember those early albums, when obviously I wasn’t in the band and he was, and those of you who were fans of the stuff he did with BATTLEZONE and his own projects afterwards, and for anybody else that fancies having a listen to tracks like ‘Remember Tomorrow’ and stuff like that, which are absolutely awesome, I’m just gonna ask everybody to just take like a few seconds to just close your eyes in silence and say, just internally, mentally — if you believe in God, if you don’t believe in God, it actually doesn’t matter; just believe in what you believe in and just say, ‘Thanks, boss, for doing what you did.’”

After pausing for a few seconds, Dickinson added: “So, Paul, if you’re listening, this is a little message from Minneapolis to wherever you are, upstairs or downstairs, Minneapolis, for Paul Di’Anno, scream for me.”

Paul Di’Anno, whose real name was Paul Andrews, tragically passed away at his home in Salisbury. He leaves behind a legacy that has shaped the world of heavy metal for generations. Born on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Di’Anno first burst onto the scene as the lead singer of Iron Maiden, where his distinct voice played a significant role in the band’s early sound and style.

Di’Anno’s tenure with Iron Maiden was short but unforgettable. He fronted the band between 1978 and 1981, a period that saw them release their self-titled debut album “ Iron Maiden” (1980) and its highly influential follow-up, “ Killers” (1981). These albums not only defined Iron Maiden’s raw, punk-infused heavy metal sound but also set the stage for their future global domination. With his gritty, aggressive vocals, Di’Anno helped give Maiden their early edge, making him an essential figure in the band’s history and a pioneer of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement.

After leaving Maiden, Paul Di’Anno embarked on a long and colorful solo career, continuing to contribute to the heavy metal world with various projects. He fronted bands like Battlezone and Killers, both of which showcased his distinctive vocal style and hard-hitting musical approach. His solo career was just as eventful, with numerous releases and guest appearances across the metal scene, further solidifying his status as a true metal icon.

Despite suffering from significant health challenges in recent years, which led to him being confined to a wheelchair, Di’Anno never stopped performing for his fans. In a testament to his resilience and passion for music, he managed to play over 100 shows since 2023, defying the odds and demonstrating his dedication to his art and audience.

In a fitting tribute to his legacy, Di’Anno’s first career-spanning retrospective album, “ The Book Of The Beast”, was released in September 2024. This album offers fans a comprehensive look at the best of his recordings post- Iron Maiden, showcasing highlights from his time with Battlezone, Killers, and his solo work. “ The Book Of The Beast” not only celebrates his extensive contributions to metal but also serves as a reminder of the lasting impact Di’Anno had on the genre.

Through all the highs and lows of his career, Paul Di’Anno remained a beloved figure in the heavy metal community. His fierce stage presence, unmistakable voice, and relentless determination to keep performing, despite his health struggles, are a testament to his enduring influence on metal music.

The day that Di’Anno’s death was announced, Iron Maiden released the following statement: “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.”

Originally published at https://loadedradio.com on October 23, 2024.