Iron Maiden’s original singer dies aged 69, as tributes from bandmembers flood in
Original Iron Maiden star Paul Mario Day has died aged 69, his band has announced today.
A statement was shared online today by the band More, a group he was with following his time with Iron Maiden.
It penned: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great MORE vocalist Paul Mario Day.
“Paul was a huge part of the [New Wave of British Heavy Metal] from his time in an early version of Iron Maiden and of course his fantastic performance on the ‘Warhead’ album.”
“He was a well loved figure in British rock music and played many memorable shows not least the legendary 1981 Monsters of Rock show at Castle Donington with AC/DC, Whitesnake/David Coverdale as well as tours with Iron Maiden Def Leppard and many other legendary artists.
“Mike Freeland remembers him fondly as a ‘bloody great vocalist!. It’s an honour for us to continue to play his music and we will always think of him every time we hit the opening notes to ‘Warhead’.
“We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends and also the many fans around the world who love his music.
“Play his music loud and sing along! Thank you. Rock in peace Paul.”
Paul Mario Day was recruited by bassist Steve Harris when Iron Maiden first formed back in 1975.
Day was the band’s first ever singer, but stayed with the band for only a year before he was replaced by Dennis Wilcock.
Iron Maiden played a key role in a late-Seventies movement of NWOBHM, meaning the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.