Iron Maiden Breaks Silence on Original Band Member's Death

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Iron Maiden Breaks Silence on Original Band Member's Death originally appeared on Parade.

Iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden broke their silence on the death of one of the group’s original band members, original singer Paul Mario Day.

“We are deeply saddened that Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden’s first ever vocalist back in 1975, has passed away,” the band, which formed back in 1975, shared in a statement via their official social media. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Paul’s family and friends. Paul was a lovely person and good mate. Rest in peace Paul.”

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The musician died in his home in Australia at age 69 after a reported battle with cancer. In late 1975, he became Maiden’s first vocalist at just 19, but his time with the group lasted less than a year. He was replaced by Dennis Wilcock by October 1976.

That said, he performed with the band at their famous first gig in London in May 1976, so he’s no doubt a crucial part of the group’s origins and legacy. A few years after parting ways with Maiden, Day started the band More, who also made a heartfelt tribute to the vocalist in honor of his death.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great More vocalist Paul Mario Day," the band wrote in a statement posted to their official Facebook account. "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."

British heavy metal group, More, November 1980. Left to right: drummer Frank Darch, bassist Brian Day, singer Paul Mario Day, guitarist Kenny Cox and guitarist Laurie Mansworth. Michael Putland/Getty Images

They added, "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 Donington with AC/DC, Whitesnake/David Coverdale, as well as tours with Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and many other legendary artists. ... 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.'"

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After leaving More following their second album, Day recorded with Wildfire in 1983 and 1984—but he had arguably his biggest bout of success when he joined a reformed lineup of glam rock legends Sweet in 1985.

"In 1985, Mick Tucker and myself put together the first new line-up of Sweet after the hiatus of the original band. We needed a singer and when Paul arrived for the audition we looked no further,” guitarist Andy Scott wrote in a statement on the band’s official Facebook page. “Our first dates were in Australia, total sell-outs which boded well for the future. Europe followed suit and 3 sold out nights at the Marquee in London produced a live album, video and DVD. ‘Live at the Marquee’ did well in various charts around the world and Paul’s vocal performance has stood the test of time.”

He added, “PMD was the original singer with Iron Maiden and had a stint with the band More before joining Sweet. He passed away peacefully at his home in Australia. My deepest condolences to his wife Cecily and family and friends. A sad day for all Sweet fans.”

Iron Maiden Breaks Silence on Original Band Member's Death first appeared on Parade on Jul 30, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.