Iron Maiden’s Original Frontman Passed Away At 69

Paul Mario Day, the original lead singer of Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 69.

His family said the British rocker passed away peacefully at his home in Australia on Tuesday per the New York Post.

While the exact cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, Day had been battling cancer in recent years, according to Parade. He joined Iron Maiden in December 1975 at just 19 years old after being recruited by bassist Steve Harris, the New York Post reports.

Day’s time with the band was short-lived — lasting only 10 months — before he left following criticism that he lacked the energy and stage presence the group wanted. Wilcock’s role was later filled by Paul Di’Anno, who sang on the band’s first two albums before longtime frontman Bruce Dickinson stepped in permanently.

Following his departure, Day continued to make music, later performing with bands such as More, Wildfire, and Sweet. His career took him around the world, and he eventually settled in Australia, where he remained active in the local music community. Day was known among friends and fans for his strong vocals, approachable personality, and love for performing live.

Iron Maiden is a British heavy metal band formed in East London in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Emerging during the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, the band quickly built a reputation for its fast, aggressive sound, intricate twin-guitar harmonies, and theatrical stage shows. After a series of early lineup changes, Iron Maiden found their defining sound with vocalist Bruce Dickinson. With him at the helm, they achieved global success through landmark albums such as The Number of the Beast (1982), Piece of Mind (1983), and Powerslave (1984).

Famous for their mascot Eddie, striking album artwork, and epic storytelling, Iron Maiden has become one of the most influential and enduring bands in heavy metal history. Their songs often draw inspiration from literature, history, and mythology, delivered with powerful vocals, intricate musicianship, and electrifying live shows. Over the course of their decades-long career, they have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and continue to perform for massive audiences.