Vocalist Paul Mario Day and guitarist Kenny Cox of heavy metal group More perform live on stage at the Monsters of Rock festival at Donington Park, Leicestershire, 22nd August 1981. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
Paul Mario Day, the original lead singer of Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 69. The London-born musician passed away peacefully at his home in Newcastle, New South Wales, after a reported battle with cancer. His death has inspired an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians and fans alike, highlighting his significant impact on the music industry.
Celebrating a Rock Legend
Day was a pioneering figure in the new wave of British heavy metal, making a memorable mark during his brief tenure with Iron Maiden in 1975. Although he was replaced within a year, his contributions to the genre endured. British heavy metal band More paid tribute to Day, stating, “Paul was a huge part of the new wave of British heavy metal from his time in an early version of Iron Maiden and of course his fantastic performance on the *Warhead* album.”
The band also recalled Day’s unforgettable performances, particularly at the legendary 1981 Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington, where he shared the stage with iconic acts like AC/DC and Whitesnake. Current More vocalist Mike Freeland fondly remembered Day as “a bloody great vocalist,” emphasizing the band’s commitment to honoring his legacy through their music. “We send our deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends and also the many fans around the world who love his music. Play his music loud and sing along. Rock in peace, Paul.”
A Journey Through Music
Paul Mario Day was born in April 1956. His time with Iron Maiden was short-lived, as he was dismissed from the band due to a lack of stage presence, a point he reflected on in an interview with Blabbermouth. “(Bassist) Steve (Harris) was saying, ‘You’ve got to get better. You’ve got to be more in the audience’s face.’ I agreed with him but I didn’t actually know how to make that happen,” Day recalled. He took the lessons learned from that period to heart, using the experience to enhance his singing.
After leaving Iron Maiden, Day formed the band More in 1979, which released their debut album, *Warhead*, in 1981. His musical journey continued as he fronted other bands, including Wildfire and a reformed version of Sweet. Guitarist Andy Scott of Sweet reminisced about Day’s audition in 1985. “We needed a singer and when Paul arrived for the audition, we looked no further,” he said. The new lineup of Sweet achieved immediate success, with sold-out shows in Australia and a live album that garnered acclaim.
As tributes continue to pour in, the music community reflects on the lasting influence of Paul Mario Day. His remarkable vocal talent and contributions to rock music will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike. The world has lost a true rock legend who touched the lives of many through his art.
