Paul Di'Anno, known for his role as the inaugural vocalist in the iconic metal band Iron Maiden, sadly passed away recently at the age of 66.

Di'Anno's death was attributed to complications from a heart condition, as confirmed through an autopsy, as Fox News reports.

Tragic Decline in Health

Born Paul Andrews on May 17, 1958, in Chingford, East London, Di'Anno rose to prominence in the early stages of Iron Maiden's storied history.

He was instrumental in their initial sound, contributing significantly to their first two albums. Tragically, his later years were marred by health issues, including a recently revealed cancer scare and a substantial lung abscess that severely affected his ability to perform.

In a personal recount of his health scares, Di'Anno had mentioned receiving unsettling findings from medical scans.

"I collapsed at home after coming back from Argentina, and a scan found a massive big black shadow on my lungs," he explained in an earlier interview. Despite fear of the worst, further tests showed that it was non-malignant, though still a significant concern.

The musician’s drive to remain active in his music career was evident as he continued to perform live, even while wheelchair-bound in his final years, totaling over 100 shows since 2023 despite his declining health.

Cause of Death Revealed

Di'Anno's sudden death last month was a shock to fans and the music community. A tear in the sac surrounding his heart, which led to internal bleeding from the main aorta, was the official cause of death.

This detail was shared by the family through a heartfelt post on his official Facebook page. "Paul's death was instantaneous and hopefully painless. May he rest in peace," read the statement, hopefully providing some solace that he did not suffer in his final moments.

This post also contained an expression of thanks and the results of the autopsy, "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."

Musical Tribute and Fond Farewell

This past weekend, a graphical celebration of Di'Anno's life and contributions was held at Underworld Camden in London. The event, commemorated with musical performances by his colleagues, was described as a fitting send-off to a beloved musical figure.

A post about the tribute highlighted the evening, "With a magnificent musical set, his musical colleagues said a worthy farewell to their friend," capturing the emotional atmosphere of the event.

The respect and admiration Di'Anno garnered over his career were reflected in the participation of fans and fellow artists alike, who came together to honor his memory through music and shared stories.

His family also extended an invitation to his wide fan base to celebrate his memory in their own way. "Conquest Music is proud to have had Paul Di'Anno in our artist family and ask his legion of fans to raise a glass in his memory," was shared, encouraging those who loved his work to remember him fondly.

Remembering Paul Di'Anno

Paul Di'Anno's musical career, marked by its highs and lows, leaves a lasting legacy on the metal genre. From groundbreaking albums like Iron Maiden and Killers to his brave battle with serious health issues, his journey was one of pioneering spirit and resilience.

Despite the challenges he faced, Di'Anno's dedication to his craft never wavered. His final years, performing to dedicated fans from a wheelchair, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his art and his fans.

As the music world mourns the loss of an iconic voice, the legacy of Paul Di’Anno will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians and fans alike.

His family's call to "raise a glass" in his memory ensures that his vibrant spirit and musical contributions will not be forgotten.