Paul Mario Day, the original lead singer of the iconic British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has passed away at the age of 69.
The band confirmed Day’s death and paid tribute to him on social media.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden’s first vocalist in 1975. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Paul’s family and friends,” the statement read on Instagram. “Paul was a wonderful person and a good friend. Rest in peace Paul.”
Day’s cause of death has not been disclosed.
Iron Maiden shared a photo of the band members from past and present in their tribute post.
Fans expressed their grief in the comments section, with messages like “Rock in Power” and “May Paul Mario Day rest in peace.”
At 19, Day was recruited by bassist Steve Harris to be Iron Maiden’s first vocalist in December 1975. He remained with the band until October 1976.
After leaving Iron Maiden, Day formed the band More.
More also honored Day on social media, describing him as a significant figure in British rock music.
In 1985, Day became the lead singer of the band Wildfire before joining a reformed version of Sweet. He later moved to Australia, where he continued to be active in the music scene until his passing.
Day is survived by his wife Cecily.
The news of Day’s death follows the passing of former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno last year at the age of 66. Di’Anno was the vocalist for Iron Maiden’s first two albums,”Iron Maiden” and “Killers,” released in 1980 and 1981.
Representatives for Di’Anno confirmed his death, stating that he died at his home in Salisbury, England.
Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an Entertainment Writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.giang@fox.com and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.
