Paul Mario Day, original vocalist for Iron Maiden, dies

The entertainment world has lost a steady string of legendary actors, musicians and other entertainers this month.

According to the New York Post, Paul Mario Day, a British rocker best known as the original vocalist of Iron Maiden, has died, according to an official family statement. 

The legendary rocker reportedly died peacefully at his Australia-based home, according to his family and media reports. A cause of death hasn’t been revealed, but it was noted that the British rocker had been battling cancer in recent years.

The late Brit joined Iron Maiden back in 1975 when he was only 19. He was recruited to join the band — which ended up a fantastic decision based on the band’s popularity — by bassist Steve Harris.

What happened?

While Day will forever be remembered as the band’s original vocalist, his tenure with the band only lasted 10 months. While it’s not totally clear why he parted ways with the band at the time, reports indicated that he lacked “both energy and charisma.”

“When I sang in Iron Maiden, it was a new pub band and nobody wanted to see or hear them,” Day said during an interview in 2019. “We were all nobodies all trying to make the best music we could and fighting for an audience.”

Notably, Day actually performed for the band’s first-ever gig in 1976 in London, cementing his spot in music history, at the very least.

Day would be replaced multiple times before the band finally adopted its longer-term vocalist.

The Post noted:

Shortly after, he was replaced by Dennis Wilcock — another short-lived member of the group who exited the following year. Wilcock’s spot was later taken by Paul Di’Anno, who performed on the band’s first two albums before longtime vocalist Bruce Dicksinson took over for good.

Day admitted during that interview that he was often frustrated that he wasn’t properly credited for co-writing the track “Strange World.”

“Back then we were all pulling for the same side and it still hurts to think the first-ever song I ever composed was on a big-selling album and nobody knows it was me,” he said at the time.

Social media tributes

Iron Maiden released a statement on Day’s death.

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.

Paul was a lovely person and good mate.

Rest in peace Paul. pic.twitter.com/7vR5w1l9mZ

— Iron Maiden (@IronMaiden) July 30, 2025

“My condolences to you all! Rest in peace, Paul!!” one X user wrote.

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