Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden’s original lead singer, has died after a reported battle with cancer. He was 69.
The heavy metal vocalist died peacefully at his Australia home on Tuesday, July 29, Parade reported. Iron Maiden also posted about Day’s death on Facebook Wednesday.
“We are deeply saddened that Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden’s first ever vocalist back in 1975, has passed away,” the band wrote. “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.”
Day joined Iron Maiden as their inaugural frontman in December 1975 at just 19 years old. Day performed at Iron Maiden’s first concert on May 1, 1976, at St. Nicholas Hall in Poplar, London, before being replaced by Dennis Wilcock in October of that same year.
After leaving Iron Maiden, Day continued his career in the British heavy metal scene. In 1980, he formed the band More, releasing their debut album “Warhead” in 1981.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great More vocalist Paul Mario Day,” his former band More wrote in a statement, per Parade. “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.”
More then fronted the band Wildfire from 1983 to 1984 after leaving More before their sophomore album. More’s most commercially successful period came in 1985 when the singer joined Sweet, working alongside guitarist Andy Scott and drummer Mick Tucker.
“Paul Mario Day RIP,” Scott said, according to Parade. “PMD was the original singer with IRON MAIDEN and had a stint with the band MORE before joining SWEET. He passed away peacefully at his home in Australia.”
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