Paul Mario Day, an English singer and Iron Maiden‘s first live vocalist, has died at 69.
The band announced Day’s death on social media July 30. “We are deeply saddened that Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden’s first ever vocalist back in 1975, has passed away. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Paul’s family and friends,” the heavy metal band wrote on Instagram and Facebook.
“Paul was a lovely person and good mate,” the statement continued. “Rest in peace Paul.”
A representative for the band, William Luff, confirmed Day’s death, noting that “he performed live for a short time with the very first line up of Iron Maiden 50 years ago but never recorded any music or released a record with them.”
Day on lead vocals, Dave Sullivan and Terry Rance on guitar, Steve Harris on bass and backing vocals and Ron Matthews on drums made up the band’s first lineup in December 1975. Harris is the only original Iron Maiden member to have remained after the band underwent several lineups throughout the years.
Day was replaced in 1976 because, according to Harris, the band was looking to shake up its onstage presence, according to a 2004 Iron Maiden biography. Dennis Wilcock later replaced him.
Once their recording career began, lead vocals were performed by Paul Di’Anno and, ultimately, Bruce Dickinson, aside from a brief hiatus with Blaze Bayley while Dickinson pursued a solo career. Di’Anno died in 2024, at 66.
Day performed as the lead vocalist of British heavy metal band More from 1980 to 1982.