"Iron Maiden commemorates their initial vocalist, Paul Mario Day, after his demise at the age of 69, recognizing him as a kind and valued companion."
Paul Mario Day, the original lead vocalist of Iron Maiden from December 1975 to October 1976, passed away on July 29 at the age of 69. The news was shared on social media by The Sweet's official account, with Iron Maiden expressing their sadness and offering heartfelt condolences to Day's family and friends.
Day was part of Iron Maiden's first line-up, assembled in December 1975. After leaving the band, he formed the band More, which toured the UK as support to Iron Maiden in 1981. More also played at the Donington Monsters of Rock Festival in 1981 and released the album Warhead.
In the mid '80s, Day joined glam rockers Sweet, fronting the band for a live album recorded in 1986. After leaving More, he joined Wildfire and later moved to Australia, where he led the bands Defaced and Crimzon Lake. He also appeared as a guest musician on the Australian progressive metal band Buffalo Crows' album Bovonic Empire.
Andy Scott, guitarist of Sweet, described Day's passing as "a sad day for all Sweet fans." Mick Tucker, another member of the first new line-up of Sweet, was also involved in recruiting Day. Scott had auditioned Day for the singer position after putting together the first new line-up of Sweet in 1985.
Iron Maiden paid tribute to Day on Instagram, hailing him as a "huge part of the new wave of British heavy metal." They also shared fond memories of him, describing him as a lovely person and a good mate.
Paul Di'Anno took over as Iron Maiden's frontman in November 1978, after Dennis Wilcock's departure. Wilcock had replaced Day in October 1976, and Day fronted Iron Maiden for around 10 months. Dennis Wilcock quit Iron Maiden in the spring of 1978.
Day's passing marks the end of an era for the British heavy metal scene. His contributions to the genre, particularly with Iron Maiden and More, will continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and musicians alike.
- Paul Mario Day, who was the original lead vocalist of Iron Maiden from December 1975 to October 1976, released an album called Warhead with his band More in 1981.
- In the mid '80s, Day joined glam rockers Sweet and even fronted the band for a live album recorded in 1986.
- Day, apart from his stint with Iron Maiden, also played with bands like Wildfire, Defaced, Crimzon Lake, and even appeared as a guest musician on the Australian progressive metal band Buffalo Crows' album Bovonic Empire.
- The heavy metal band Iron Maiden paid tribute to Day on Instagram, hailing him as a "huge part of the new wave of British heavy metal."
- After leaving Iron Maiden in October 1976, Dennis Wilcock replaced Day, only to quit the band in the spring of 1978, which paved the way for Paul Di'Anno to take over as the frontman.
- Day's contributions to the genre, particularly with Iron Maiden and More, will continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and musicians alike, signifying the end of an era for the British heavy metal scene.
- Andy Scott, guitarist of Sweet, expressed his sadness at Day's passing, describing it as "a sad day for all Sweet fans."
