© Anthéa Bouquet | HARD FORCE
Even if we knew Paul Di'Anno ill for many years, he who gave his concerts seated in a wheelchair, we were far from imagining that the man who was the singer ofIRON MAIDEN on his first two and essential albums would leave us just as quickly. His death on October 21 at his home in Salisbury sparked a wave of tributes from fans and musicians alike who all recognize the capital importance of “Iron Maiden” (1980) and “Killers” (1980). 1981) on heavy metal.
We will simply share the words of those who played with him, as well as his successor, Bruce Dickinson.
“It is with the greatest sadness that we learned of the disappearance of Paul Di'Annoannounced IRON MAIDEN on his social networks. His contribution to MAIDEN was immense and he helped put us on the path we have been on as a band for almost five decades. His presence as a frontman and singer, both on stage and on our first two albums, will remain in our memories, but also in those of fans around the world. “It’s so sad that he passed away.” comments Steve Harris. “I was still in touch with him recently as we were texting each other about West Ham and the ups and downs of the team [de foot]. At least he was still giving concerts until recently, it was something that allowed him to keep going, to be on stage whenever he could. We will all miss him. Rest in peace, buddy.” We are very grateful to have had the chance to see him again two years ago and to spend time with him once again. On behalf of the band, Rod and Andy, and the entire IRON MAIDEN team, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Paul. »
As for Bruce Dickinsonwho met his predecessor for the first time last July during his solo concert in Croatia where he was Paulwho was undergoing long treatment there, he made a speech on the occasion of the concert of MAIDEN on October 22 in St Paul, Minnesota, before attacking “Time Machine”. “I don't want to ruin the evening, but our friend, our bandmate, Paul Di'Anno, has passed away, as you probably know. Otherwise, I'll tell you…
Paul was instrumental on MAIDEN's first two albums, breaking through with “Killers” and the debut album. He had an incredible voice, dedicated to rock'n'roll until the last minute of his life. So for those of you who were born and still remember those early albums, when obviously I wasn't in the band and he was, and those of you who were fans of that that he did with BATTLEZONE and his own projects after that, and for anyone who wants to listen to songs like “Remember Tomorrow” and stuff like that, which are absolutely brilliant, I'm just going to ask everyone world to take a few seconds to close your eyes in silence and say, just internally, mentally – whether you believe in God or not, it doesn't matter; just believe in what you believe in and just say, “Thank you, boss, for what you did.”
[Après une pause] So Paul, if you're listening, here's a little message from Minneapolis to wherever you are, up or down. Minneapolis, for Paul Di'Anno, scream for me. »
“Rest in peace Paulfor his part posted Adrian Smith on his Instagram account. I remember that moment well, when we launched “Killers” on HMS Belfast on the River Thames in London. He left his mark on the first two albums. All my condolences to his family. »
The day before, Wes Orshoskico-director of the documentary dedicated to Lemmy released in 2010, who has been working for several years on a documentary dedicated to Say Annosaid it would be released in 2025. He hopes it will be released at festivals throughout the year.
Paulsay hello to Clive Burr on our part.
