History of Paul Di'Anno in Timeline
"Paul Di'Anno, originally Paul Andrews, was an English heavy metal vocalist most recognized for his time as the lead singer of Iron Maiden from 1978 to 1981. Following his departure from Iron Maiden, he embarked on a diverse musical journey, releasing numerous albums both as a solo artist and collaborating with various bands like Gogmagog, Di'Anno's Battlezone, and Killers. Notably, he joined former Iron Maiden member Dennis Stratton to record the live album "Live at Last" with the band Praying Mantis in 1990."
May 1958: Early Life and Upbringing
Born in May 1958 in Chingford, East London, Paul Di'Anno spent his youth exploring music and held dual citizenship due to his Brazilian father. He sang in various rock bands and worked different jobs.
May 1958: Birth of Paul Di'Anno
Paul Andrews, later known as Paul Di'Anno, was born in Chingford, East London in May 1958.
1978: Joining Iron Maiden
Paul Di'Anno became the lead vocalist for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden in 1978.
1980: Release of Iron Maiden's Debut Album
Iron Maiden's self-titled debut album, released in 1980, gained recognition for its blend of punk energy and metal riffs, influencing future metal subgenres.
September 1981: Di'Anno's Final Show with Iron Maiden
Paul Di'Anno's final performance with Iron Maiden took place on September 1981 in Copenhagen, Denmark, marking the end of his tenure with the band.
1981: Departure from Iron Maiden
After disagreements and creative differences, Paul Di'Anno parted ways with Iron Maiden in 1981.
1981: Release of 'Killers' and 'Maiden Japan'
Iron Maiden released their second album, 'Killers,' and the live EP 'Maiden Japan' in 1981, marking a period of growth and evolution for the band.
1985: Formation of Battlezone
Following the end of his solo project, Paul Di'Anno formed the band Battlezone in 1985 with DeeRal and other musicians.
1985: Formation and Disbandment of Gogmagog
Paul Di'Anno joined the supergroup Gogmagog in 1985, a project initiated by Jonathan King. Despite a promising lineup, creative restrictions led to their disbandment after releasing one EP.
1986: John Wiggins Joins Battlezone
Guitarist John Wiggins, formerly of Lonewolf and Tokyo Blade, became a member of Battlezone in 1986.
1987: US Tour and Lineup Changes
Battlezone toured the United States in 1987, but internal conflicts and musical differences led to lineup changes, with John Hurley and Bob Falck departing the band.
December 1989: Battlezone's Final Concert
Battlezone's last performance took place in December 1989 at the Dynamo Open Air festival in the Netherlands, marking the end of the band's run.
1989: Praying Mantis Disbandment and Di'Anno's Call
Following their separation from BMG, Praying Mantis disbanded. In 1989, Paul Di'Anno reached out to Dennis Stratton regarding a potential reunion for the tenth anniversary of the new wave of British heavy metal in Japan.
April 1990: Praying Mantis Reformation and Tour
Driven by renewed interest in Japan, Praying Mantis reunited and embarked on a tour in April 1990, resulting in the live album 'Live at Last'.
1990: Fronting Praying Mantis and Touring Japan
Paul Di'Anno took on the role of Praying Mantis' vocalist for a tour in Japan in 1990, a collaboration that resulted in the 'Live at Last' album.
1990: Collaboration with Praying Mantis
Paul Di'Anno joined forces with Praying Mantis, featuring Dennis Stratton, for a live album recording in 1990.
1991: Formation of Killers
Killers was formed in the summer of 1991, initiated by Steve Hopgood, who contacted Cliff Evans with the idea. Di'Anno and Hopgood then flew to New York to solidify the band's formation.
1993: Assault on South America
In 1993, Paul Di'Anno recorded a live album called "Assault on South America," featuring a mix of Iron Maiden and Battlezone tracks, along with covers of popular songs. Although intended for a South American release, the tour fell through, and the album was ultimately recorded in New York.
1993: Release of "Just Can't Say I Love You"
John Hurley's band L.O. Girls released the single "Just Can't Say I Love You" in 1993.
1995: Wiggins Rejoins Tokyo Blade
John Wiggins rejoined the band Tokyo Blade in 1995.
January 1998: Battlezone Reunion and Brazilian Tour
Paul Di'Anno revived Battlezone in 1998, releasing the album 'Feel My Pain' and embarking on a successful Brazilian tour with a new lineup.
1998: Formation of Battlezone
Following the dissolution of the new Battlezone lineup formed in 1998, Paul Di'Anno embarked on a new musical endeavor.
2000: Nomad Formation and Move to Brazil
In 2000, Paul Di'Anno teamed up with Brazilian guitarist Paulo Turin and relocated to São Paulo, Brazil. They formed a new band, initially called "Nomad," featuring an all-Brazilian lineup. This move allowed Di'Anno to tour South America extensively and cater to that specific market.
2003: Killers Reformation and Lineup Changes
By 2003, Paul Di'Anno and Cliff Evans continued touring as the only remaining original members of Killers. They brought in new musicians, including Marcus Thurston on guitar, Darayus Kaye on bass, and Pete Newdeck on drums, following the departure of previous members due to health reasons.
December 2004: Gavin Cooper Joins Lionsheart
Former Battlezone bassist Gavin Cooper became a member of the band Lionsheart in December 2004.
2004: Killers Disbands and Legal Issues
Killers disbanded in 2004. Cliff Evans, guitarist and former member, started his own record company, Soundhouse Records, to re-release Killers' back catalog. However, legal issues arose, and Evans was eventually forced to stop selling the material.
May 2005: Move to Statetrooper
Gavin Cooper left Lionsheart and joined the band Statetrooper in May 2005.
April 2006: Joining Bob Catley's Band
Gavin Cooper joined Magnum singer Bob Catley's solo band for UK tour dates in April 2006.
2008: Touring Norway
In early 2008, Paul Di'Anno embarked on a tour in Norway.
2008: RockFellas Project and Brazilian Nickname
In late 2008, Paul Di'Anno moved to southeastern Brazil and formed a new band/project called RockFellas. The band consisted of Di'Anno and three Brazilian musicians: Jean Dolabella (drums), Marcão (guitar), and Canisso (bass). They played a mix of rock and metal classics. During his time in Brazil, Di'Anno earned the nickname "Paulo Baiano," a playful combination of his name and a reference to someone born in Bahia.
2008: Killers Live at the Marquee Release
In 2008, Cliff Evans, under his label Soundhouse Records, released a live album titled "Killers Live at the Marquee." This release was part of his re-release of the entire Killers back catalog.
2008: Release of 'The Fight Goes On' Compilation
A Battlezone compilation album titled 'The Fight Goes On,' featuring all three studio albums, was released in 2008.
2009: Touring Eastern Europe with Norwegian Backing Band
In 2009, Paul Di'Anno toured Eastern Europe with an all-Norwegian backing band. The lineup included Henrik "Rick" Hagan on drums, Are Gogstad on bass, Jon Vegard Naess on guitar, and Anders Buaas on guitar, who was later replaced by Rikard Nilsen.
February 2011: Benefit Fraud Conviction
Paul Di'Anno was convicted in February 2011 on eight counts of benefit fraud, having falsely claimed over £45,000.
March 2011: Sentencing and Imprisonment
On March 11, 2011, Paul Di'Anno was sentenced to nine months in prison at Salisbury Crown Court but was released early after serving two months due to good behaviour.
March 2011: New Album Recording Halted
Prior to his imprisonment in March 2011, Paul Di'Anno was in the process of recording a new solo album with guitarist Paulo Turin. The album, being produced by Dieter Roth in Germany, was put on hold due to issues with the record company.
June 2012: Freedom of the City of Bariloche
In June 2012, Paul Di'Anno was honored with the Freedom of the City of Bariloche in Argentina in recognition of his charitable work in the region several years prior.
December 2013: Killers Reunion and The Lazarus Syndrome Announcement
In December 2013, Paul Di'Anno and Cliff Evans announced a Killers reunion and plans for a new album titled "The Lazarus Syndrome." Producer Phil Kinmanm, known for his work with Tank, was also revealed to be involved in the project.
2013: Festival Appearances in UK and Denmark
In 2013, Di'Anno and his Norwegian backing band made festival appearances at Hard Rock Hell in Wales, UK, and Voxbotn in the Faroe Islands, Denmark.
2013: Clive Burr's Passing
In 2013, former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, whom Di'Anno had considered for Killers, sadly passed away due to complications from multiple sclerosis.
August 2014: The League of Shadows Release with Architects of Chaoz
In August 2014, Paul Di'Anno reversed his decision to retire from music and released a new album titled "The League of Shadows" with his new band, Architects of Chaoz.
2014: Collaboration with Hollywood Monsters
In 2014, Paul Di'Anno collaborated with the hard rock band Hollywood Monsters, providing lead vocals for the bonus track "Fuck You All" on their album "Big Trouble." The album, released by Mausoleum Records, featured a lineup of notable musicians, including Steph Honde, Vinny Appice, Tim Bogert, and Don Airey.
2014: Festival Appearances in Norway and Sweden
In 2014, the band performed at Tons of Rock in Halden, Norway, and Sweden Rock Festival in Norje, Sweden.
2015: Rock Against Narcotics and Swedish Tour
In 2015, Di'Anno and his band played at Rock Against Narcotics in Pune, India, followed by a tour of Sweden in the summer.
2015: The Beast is Back Tour in Brazil
In 2015, Paul Di'Anno returned to Brazil for his "The Beast is Back" tour, announcing it as his final tour in the country. He performed with a band from Rio de Janeiro, consisting of Vinnie Tex (guitar), Thiago Velasquez (bass), and Braulio Drumond (drums), who were also members of Leather Leone's band. Di'Anno played eight shows across Brazil. There were plans for this lineup to form a new band, but health issues forced Di'Anno to put those plans on hold.
May 2016: Hospitalization and Canceled Tour
In May 2016, Paul Di'Anno was hospitalized for unspecified medical reasons, forcing him to cancel his upcoming June 2016 tour of Brazil. According to the tour promoter, Blog n Roll Produções, Di'Anno underwent a series of tests to determine a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
June 2016: Brazil Tour Cancellation
Paul Di'Anno's June 2016 tour of Brazil was canceled due to his ongoing health issues.
October 2017: Guest Appearance with The Iron Maidens
On October 29, 2017, Paul Di'Anno made a special guest appearance with The Iron Maidens, an all-female Iron Maiden tribute band, during their encore at the O2 Academy in Islington, London. Performing from a wheelchair, Di'Anno sang "Wrathchild" and "Iron Maiden."
August 2020: Planned Farewell Performance Canceled
Paul Di'Anno's planned farewell performance at the Beermageddon Festival in Bromsgrove, England, on August 30, 2020, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
January 2021: Crowdfunding for Knee Surgery
A crowdfunder was initiated in January 2021 to help raise funds for Paul Di'Anno's knee surgery after years of declining health.
June 2021: Removal from Beermageddon Lineup
On June 7, 2021, Paul Di'Anno and the Ides of March were removed from the Beermageddon Festival lineup. The festival organizers announced that the planned project with Di'Anno and the band would not be going ahead.
August 2021: Rescheduled Beermageddon Festival
The Beermageddon Festival, where Di'Anno was scheduled to perform, was rescheduled for August 2021 following its cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic.
September 2021: Awaiting Surgery and Health Update
In September 2021, it was reported that Paul Di'Anno was still awaiting surgery, with a photo circulating online showing his severely swollen leg.
October 2021: Crowdfunding Success
By October 2021, the crowdfunding campaign reached its target, leading to a heartfelt thank you from Paul Di'Anno to all supporters.
November 2021: Relocation to Croatia for Treatment
In November 2021, Paul Di'Anno relocated to Croatia to undergo treatment and surgery for his knee. Following a successful procedure, reports were confirmed that Iron Maiden had contributed financially to the final part of his treatment.
May 2022: First Live Performance in Seven Years
On May 21, 2022, Paul Di'Anno performed his first live show in seven years at the Bikers Beer Factory in Zagreb, Croatia. He was accompanied by his Norwegian backing band.
August 2023: New Album Announcement - Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse
In August 2023, it was revealed that Paul Di'Anno would release a new album in 2024 under the name Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse, signed with BraveWords Records.
September 2024: Career Retrospective Release
September 2024 saw the release of Paul Di'Anno's first career retrospective, a CD+DVD set featuring his best work post-Iron Maiden, including unreleased material.
October 2024: Paul Di'Anno's Passing
On October 21, 2024, Conquest Music confirmed Paul Di'Anno's passing earlier that day at his home in Salisbury. He was 66 years old and had been facing severe health challenges that had confined him to a wheelchair.
October 2024: Death of Paul Di'Anno
Paul Di'Anno, known for his time as Iron Maiden's vocalist, passed away in October 2024.
2024: Documentary Film Release
A documentary about the life of Paul Di'Anno, four years in the making, is set to be released for festival screenings in late 2024.
2024: New Album Release - Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse
Paul Di'Anno's new album under the name Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse is expected to be released sometime in 2024.