Iron Maiden’s Original Vocalist Paul Mario Day Dies at 69: ‘A Lovely Person and Good Mate’

Paul Mario Day, the original vocalist of Iron Maiden, has died. He was 69.

His death was confirmed on Tuesday, July 29 on Instagram by his band MORE.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great MORE vocalist Paul Mario Day,” the post began. “Paul was a huge part of the NWOBHM from his time in an early version of Iron Maiden and of course his fantastic performance on the Warhead album.”

It continued: “He was a well loved figure in British rock music and played many memorable shows not least the legendary 1981 Monsters of Rock show at Castle Donninton with AC/DC Whitesnake/David Coverdale as well as tours with Iron Maiden Def Leppard and many other legendary artists.”

The statement noted that vocalist Mike Freeland considered him to be a “bloody great vocalist!”

“It’s an honour for us to continue to play his music and we will always think of him every time we hit the opening notes to ‘Warhead,'” it continued. “We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends and also the many fans around the world who love his music.”

“Play his music loud and sing along! Thank you 🙏🏻 Rock in peace Paul 🤘🏻,” the post concluded.

Iron Maiden also shared an Instagram post remembering Day on Wednesday, 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 caption read.

It continued: “Paul was a lovely person and good mate. Rest in peace Paul.”

On July 29, his bandmate Andy Scott in Sweet shared a lengthy post on Instagram and confirmed that Day “passed away peacefully at his home in Australia.”

While no official cause of death has been revealed, The Guardian reported that he had previously been battling cancer.

After being recruited by bassist Steve Harris, Day became Iron Maiden’s vocalist in December 1975 at the age of 19. However, his tenure was brief — after less than a year, he was replaced by Dennis Wilcock in October 1976.

But Day’s contribution one of metal’s most impactful bands hasn’t been forgotten.

He performed at Iron Maiden’s very first concert on May 1, 1976, at St. Nicholas Hall in Poplar, London — an event that marked the birth of a legendary band.

Following his stint in Iron Maiden, he continued to work within the U.K.’s heavy metal scene. Day formed the band MORE in 1980. After departing the band before their second album, he became the frontman of Wildfire between 1983 and 1984.

However, Day found the most commercial success in 1985 when he joined the reformed rock group Sweet.

In 1986, he relocated to Australia and continued to play with metal bands including, Defaced and Buffalo Crows.

Day is survived by his wife Cecily.