As posted on Di'anno Mangers Stjepan Juras soical media on Oct 24, 2024
Photo Credit-Neal Kay social media
NEAL KAY ABOUT PAUL DI'ANNO.
It always comes as a severe shock when the sudden passing of someone who, for a passage of time was, in a work environment, very close to you, especially so very long ago.
It always seems to happen to others, but not to a person you have known so very well. In fact, when I first heard the sad news that Paul D'ianno was found dead in his home just a few days ago, I thought it must be fake news-you know, the sort of crap that is so common on mass media of today.
But it wasn't at all. it was real. Paul was the frontman singer of a future massive, outstanding, world beating heavy metal band that has helped influence so many future fans and musicians of rock alike.
Ultimately, they have to this very day, enjoyed over 40 years of unrelenting world domination in their chosen genre of hard hitting classic rock. With tunes like Phantom Of The Opera, Prowler, Charlotte The Harlot and, of course, Iron Maiden, Paul very quickly picked up an ever growing following and fan base.
Paul helped to open the doors, performing on the band's first two albums, Iron Maiden and Killers, which set the guys on the path to the eventual very top of the tree.
I had the fortune to complete 2 UK tours as well as playing many gigs both big and small with the band in the early days with Paul out front, and those times which for all of us, starting at the Soundhouse, became very exciting indeed. Maiden very quickly became the big success story of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal,and with Paul's outstanding frontmanship, cockney East London attitude and unique vocal output with his audience communication skills in abundance he really was the full package.
In later times, Paul moved on in pursuit of his own successful band projects, picking up a world-wide fan base and following, which he richly deserved for all the hard work put in.
However, as the years rolled by, increasing medical problems finally had him incarcerated in a wheelchair, but even this could not dampen his spirit. With my biographer, Stjepan Juras in control, Paul managed to play over 120 shows on world-wide tour over a two year period, whilst undergoing heavy medical treatment, often on the road with a team of doctors or nurses by his side.
In the greatest of entertainment traditions, for Paul, the show had to go on-always.
He never let anyone down really and the legions of his fans around the world are already making their presence felt on all the popular media outlets.
Paul is now a legend eternal and has his own place in rock history assured.
So RIP Paul. I am proud to say that we shared a great friendship when it all really mattered..................so very very long ago, and now you are Running Free for all eternity.
Thanx mate-you done good!!
Neal Kay.
Neal Kay's new official biography will be released Sept 2022 by author Stjepan Juras with a forward by Iron Maiden Steve Harris.
Neal Kay is a former London-based disc jockey, who was an important factor in the rise of the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM), in the late 1970s and early 1980's
Neal Kay is a NOWBHM legend for whose biographical book the legendary bass guitarist and founder of the band Iron Maiden Steve Harris decided to write foreword. That fact alone speaks to how crucial Neal Kay was to Iron Maiden’s early success, and in this book we’ll find out everything that hasn’t been talked about to date! Strictly limited to 333 copies, hardcover, full color edition, with a special certificate signed and dedicated by Neal Kay, is called the ‘Soundhouse Premium’ edition and will be a gem in any serious book collection.
The special, luxurious, hardcover, full color edition of this book with the cover page printed in gold print is a unique edition that only the first 333 fans will be able to buy and which will never be on sale again. What makes this edition special? In addition to being a very heavy, large format book, printed on the highest quality paper, every customer of the ‘Soundhouse Premium’ edition will receive a special A4 hard paper certificate of authenticity of this edition of the book as a gift with the original ‘The Soundhouse Tapes’ sleeve text written by NEAL KAY back in 1979. NEAL KAY will sign each original text with a personalized dedication to each customer in a way that this classic document that witnessed the rise of the IRON MAIDEN will be perfect for framing. Each certificate will be numbered and protected by holographic printing. A special addition to this edition (in case the buyer is the owner of the original EP ‘The Soundhouse Tapes’), will be a very special gift that will put a ‘dot on and on’ to their collector’s treasure.
Manager and friend Stjepan Juras spoke with The Metal Voice last night of the surprise passing of Iron Maiden's former singer Paul Di'anno. Juras talks about Paul's health struggles and successes. Stjepan also noted that a biography on Di'anno was completed prior to Paul's passing and was sent off to print and should be out for the fans soon. But was a little uneasy about having it out so soon.
Watch video interview here
Iron Maiden has issued a statement in regards to the passing for former singer Paul Dianno on their social media
Photo Iron Maiden Social Media
Monday 21st October 2024
We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Paul Di'Anno earlier today. Paul's contribution to Iron Maiden was immense and helped set us on the path we have been travelling as a band for almost five decades. His pioneering presence as a frontman and vocalist, both on stage and on our first two albums, will be very fondly remembered not just by us, but by fans around the world.
“It’s just so sad he’s gone,” comments Steve Harris. “I was in touch with him only recently as we texted each other about West Ham and their ups and downs. At least he was still gigging until recently, it was something that kept him going, to be out there whenever he could. He will be missed by us all. Rest in peace mate ⚒⚒.”
We were very grateful to have had the chance to catch up a couple of years ago and to spend time with him once more. On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the whole Iron Maiden team, we extend our deepest sympathies to Paul's family and close friends. Rest In Peace Paul.
As posted on Social media by his friend and manager
On behalf of his family, I am very sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di'Anno.
Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.
Born in Chingford, East London on 17th May 1958, Paul first came to prominence as lead singer of English Heavy Metal band, Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981. He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden, and the influential follow up release, Killers.
Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di'Anno had a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances.
Despite being troubled by severe health issues in recent years that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, racking up well over 100 shows since 2023.
In 2024 he published his new album with the band Warhorse, and only few month later his retrospective album.
His first career retrospective album, The Book of the Beast was released in September 2024 and featured highlights of his recordings since leaving Iron Maiden.
I was so proud to call him my friend and I ask his legion of fans to raise a glass in his memory.
Ex Iron Maiden Singer PAUL DIANNO Dead at 66 R.I.P. -Tribute-Leave A comment-Favorite song?
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