Iron Maiden’s original singer Paul Mario Day dies aged 69
Overview
Tributes have been paid across the rock and metal community following the death of Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden’s original frontman, at the age of 69.
The vocalist, who was with the band when they formed in east London in 1975, passed away this week. His death was announced in a statement by More, the heavy metal group he fronted following his time with Iron Maiden.
Tributes from the metal world
In a heartfelt message, More said:
“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 and Iron Maiden.”
Day went on to perform with More at major festivals and on tours alongside iconic names including Def Leppard and David Coverdale.
“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,” the statement added.
A key figure in the birth of Iron Maiden
Paul Mario Day was recruited as the first vocalist by Iron Maiden founder Steve Harris when the band formed in Leyton, east London. Although he departed before the group recorded their debut album, his time with the band marked the beginning of what would become one of the most successful heavy metal acts of all time.
Iron Maiden rose to prominence as part of the late-1970s New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), headlining festivals such as Monsters of Rock and later achieving global success with albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave.
Fans urged to celebrate his music
The band More concluded their tribute by asking fans to:
“Play his music loud and sing along! Thank you. Rock in peace Paul.”
No details of Day’s cause of death have been released. Condolences have been shared widely by musicians and fans across social media, celebrating his legacy as an influential figure in the early days of British heavy metal.
