Paul Mario Day, ex-Iron Maiden frontman, passes away at 69
f the biggest bands on the planet. As much as it hurt, as much as it upset me, I learnt a big lesson that day. I really did. I used that emotion, I guess, in my singing…’
After his time with Iron Maiden, Day went on to form More in 1980. The band made an appearance at the Donington Monsters of Rock festival the following year and had the opportunity to open for Iron Maiden during their Killers tour. Subsequently, Day found himself fronting Wildfire and later became part of a resurrected version of the glam rock band Sweet. Andy Scott, Sweet’s guitarist, had this to say about Day: ‘We needed a singer and when Paul arrived for the audition we looked no further.’
Day eventually decided to relocate to Australia, where he continued to showcase his talents by performing and recording music. In his later years, his health declined, ultimately leading him to receive care in a hospice. He is survived by his wife Cecily.
Throughout his career, Day left a lasting impact on the rock music scene with his powerful vocals and stage presence. Despite the brevity of his time with Iron Maiden, he was an integral part of the band’s early years and contributed to the foundation of their sound. His departure from the group served as a turning point in his career, leading him to further develop his skills and pursue other musical ventures.
In a reflective interview in 2019, Day shared insights into his departure from Iron Maiden, highlighting the lessons he learned from that experience. He acknowledged the importance of stage presence and charisma in commanding an audience’s attention, traits he believed he needed to improve on during his time with the band. Despite the challenges he faced, Day embraced the lessons learned and utilized them to enhance his performances in subsequent projects.
The legacy of Paul Mario Day lives on through his contributions to the music industry and the impact he made on those who had the privilege of witnessing his talents. His unique voice and dedication to his craft have solidified his place in the annals of rock history, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that continues to inspire aspiring musicians and fans alike.