Metal Anarchy

Original Iron Maiden singer Paul Mario Day has sadly passed away at the age of 69. The musician, who also worked with More, Wildfire, and Sweet, was reportedly battling cancer.

Sweet guitarist Andy Scott said the following:

“Paul Mario Day RIP. 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. 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.

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.”

More also issued a statement:

“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. 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. Mike Freeland remembers him fondly as 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’.

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”