Original Iron Maiden Singer Paul Mario Day Dead at 69

Paul Mario Day, the original frontman of iconic British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has tragically passed away at the age of 69.

The band confirmed the news in a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, mourning the loss of the man who helped shape the band’s early sound and legacy.

“We are deeply saddened that Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden’s first ever vocalist back in 1975, has passed away,” the band wrote in a post on Instagram.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Paul’s family and friends.

“Paul was a lovely person and good mate. Rest in peace, Paul.”

The cause of Day’s death has not been disclosed.

The band’s tribute was accompanied by a photo of the members both in their early days and from more recent performances.

Fans of the legendary band, along with those who admired Day’s contribution to heavy metal, flooded the comments section to share their condolences.

“Rock in Power,” one fan wrote.

Another posted, “May Paul Mario Day R.I.P.

“He’s now rockin’ with the best of them up in heaven.”

Day’s involvement with Iron Maiden began at the age of 19 when he was recruited by bassist Steve Harris to be the band’s first-ever vocalist in December 1975.

He fronted the band during its earliest years before parting ways in October 1976.

Despite his short tenure with Iron Maiden, Day’s mark on the band’s early history remains significant.

Following his time with Iron Maiden, Day went on to form the band More and later continued to perform with other acts.

More also paid tribute to the late vocalist, writing:

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great More vocalist Paul Mario Day.

“Paul was a huge part of the NWOBHM (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.”

The band continued, “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 Donnington with AC/DC, Whitesnake/David Coverdale, as well as tours with Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and many other legendary artists.”

In 1985, Day took the stage as the lead singer for the band Wildfire and later joined a reformed version of the band Sweet.

He moved to Australia in the late 1980s, where he remained active in the music scene until his death.

Day is survived by his wife, Cecily.

His passing comes just a year after the death of former Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, who died at 66.

Di’Anno, who was lead singer for Iron Maiden’s first two albums, “Iron Maiden” and “Killers,” made a significant impact on the band’s early sound before departing in 1981.

Day’s death marks the end of an era for Iron Maiden fans and the broader heavy metal community.

He was a foundational member of the band who helped define the spirit of the genre.

His contributions to rock music, particularly within the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, will continue to resonate for years to come.