Paul Mario Day, the original frontman for legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 69. His passing was confirmed on July 29 by his post-Maiden band, More. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
In a heartfelt tribute, More wrote on social media: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great MORE vocalist Paul Mario Day. Paul was a huge part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal—first with Iron Maiden and later through his incredible performance on the Warhead album. He was a beloved figure in British rock, having performed legendary shows like the 1981 Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington with AC/DC, Whitesnake, and others. We will think of him every time we strike the first notes of Warhead. Our deepest condolences go to Paul’s family, friends, and the fans around the world who loved his music.”
Day’s career began when bassist Steve Harris recruited him in 1975 as the founding vocalist for Iron Maiden. He remained with the band for about a year before being replaced by Dennis Wilcock — who was then succeeded by Paul Di’Anno. Who would go on to sing on Iron Maiden’s first two landmark albums before his death in 2024, at age 66.
Though his time in Iron Maiden was brief, Day’s departure proved transformative. In the documentary ‘Iron Maiden: The Early Days’, it was revealed that he was dismissed due to a lack of stage presence.
After Maiden, Day found a new home in the band ‘More’, becoming a key voice in the early 1980s British metal scene. More’s 1981 debut album ‘Warhead’ gained cult status and their performance at Monsters of Rock cemented their place in heavy metal history.
In the years that followed, Day also fronted the band Wildfire and, in 1985, joined a newly revived version of the glam rock group ‘Sweet’.
Sweet’s guitarist Andy Scott recalled Day’s powerful audition and global success with the band, including sold-out shows in Australia and Europe, and a live album recorded at London’s Marquee Club.
Although Paul Mario Day never rejoined Iron Maiden on stage, a near-complete reunion of the original 1975 lineup occurred informally during the 2018 Christmas holidays.
Day leaves behind a legacy as a pioneer of British heavy metal, remembered not just for where he started, but for the resilience and voice that carried him through a remarkable career.