Tragic news: Paul Mario Day, the charismatic lead vocalist of heavy metal band Iron Maiden, passed away in Australia.
Paul Mario Day, a Pioneering Figure in British Heavy Metal, Passes Away
Paul Mario Day, a renowned musician known for his work in the heavy metal genre, has passed away at the age of 69. His death was announced by Andy Scott, guitarist of the band Sweet, on July 29, 2025.
Day's career began in 1975 when he joined Iron Maiden as their first vocalist at the tender age of 19. He performed with the band at their first concert in May 1976, but was replaced by Dennis Wilcock due to a lack of experience and stage confidence.
Despite his brief tenure with Iron Maiden, Day left a lasting impact on the band. He claimed co-authorship of the song "Strange World" from their 1980 debut album, a claim that remains disputed.
After leaving Iron Maiden, Day formed the band More, which included former Iron Maiden guitarist Paul Todd and Def Leppard drummer Frank Noone. The band performed at the Donington Monsters of Rock Festival in 1981 and made significant contributions to the development of British heavy metal.
Day was also the lead singer of the band Wildfire from 1983 to 1984 and joined the re-formed lineup of the band Sweet in 1985, recording a live album in London in 1986 as their lead singer.
In 1986, Day moved to Australia, where he became the lead vocalist for two Newcastle-based bands: Defaced, performing rock covers, and Crimzon Lake, an unsigned hard rock band for which he also wrote songs. He also appeared as a guest musician on the progressive metal band Buffalo Crows' album Bovonic Empire.
In 2019, Day reunited with the original 1975 Iron Maiden lineup for a concert in London. His death has been noted in the music industry, with Iron Maiden expressing their condolences for his passing.
Andy Scott, the guitarist of Sweet, described Day's death as peaceful. Day's contributions to the heavy metal genre will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.
References:
- BBC News
- Classic Rock Magazine
- Metal Hammer
- Rolling Stone
- Louder Sound
The entertainment industry mourns the passing of Paul Mario Day, a pioneer in British heavy metal, whose musical contributions will continue to resonate. Day, famed for his early work with Iron Maiden and his subsequent ventures in bands like More, Wildfire, and Sweet, left an indelible mark on the genre.
