Former Iron Maiden lead singer Paul Mario Day passes away at age 69
The metal community is grieving the loss of Paul Mario Day, the inaugural lead singer of Iron Maiden and a notable figure in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene, who recently passed away at the age of 69 after a prolonged battle with cancer at his residence in Australia.
Originally from the UK, Day became the frontman of the original Iron Maiden lineup in 1975, not long after bassist Steve Harris established the band. While his time with Iron Maiden was brief, his contributions were instrumental in shaping the band’s early identity. Even though he did not feature on any official recordings, Day is woven into the fabric of Iron Maiden’s history and the broader narrative of British metal.
Post his exit from Iron Maiden, Day made a name for himself in More, a band that became a notable figure in the NWOBHM movement. Day’s vocal performance in More’s 1981 album Warhead garnered much acclaim, and the band delivered a memorable set at the 1981 Monsters of Rock festival alongside acts like AC/DC, Whitesnake, and Def Leppard. Following this success, More went on to tour extensively with prominent bands of the era, cementing their place in heavy metal history.
In 1985, Sweet’s guitarist Andy Scott and drummer Mick Tucker recruited Day to lead a revamped iteration of the classic glam rock group. His tenure began with a series of sold-out shows in Australia, followed by European gigs and a triumphant three-night stint at London’s Marquee Club. This performance was captured in the Live at the Marquee album, video, and DVD.
Sweet’s Andy Scott expressed his condolences, stating, “When Paul arrived for the audition, we looked no further… Live at the Marquee did well in various charts around the world, and Paul’s vocal performance has stood the test of time. My deepest condolences to his wife Cecily and family and friends. A sad day for all Sweet fans.”
In addition, More paid tribute to their former lead vocalist, highlighting his integral role in the NWOBHM movement and recalling the legendary 1981 Monsters of Rock show. They underscored their commitment to keeping his music alive, especially through hits like ‘Warhead,’ urging fans to play his music loud and sing along in his remembrance.
Renowned for his gritty, melodic vocal style and dynamic stage presence, Day earned the admiration of fans and peers alike. Despite not achieving the same mainstream success as some of his contemporaries, his impact on metal’s early development and live performances remains profound.
As the NWOBHM legacy continues to inspire generations of heavy music enthusiasts, Paul Mario Day’s enduring voice and influence live on in the records and live shows that helped define an important chapter in metal history.