Who was Paul Mario Day? Original Iron Maiden frontman dies at 69

Paul Mario Day, the original lead singer of Iron Maiden, died on July 30, 2025, at his home in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, at the age of 69. His family and the band More, with whom he later performed, confirmed that he died peacefully after a long battle with cancer.

Though Day’s time with Iron Maiden was brief, his early contributions in rehearsals and live shows helped shape a sound that would become central to heavy metal worldwide. Day joined Iron Maiden in December 1975 and left in October 1976.

During those months, he sang in small London venues and worked on songs that gave the band its first edge. He later claimed co-authorship of the track “Strange World.”

Though successors like Bruce Dickinson would bring Iron Maiden global fame, Day often spoke of his time in the band with pride and clarity, knowing he was part of something that grew far beyond its first lineup.

Paul Mario Day helped shape Iron Maiden’s early sound

Paul Mario Day was the very first frontman for Iron Maiden, joining bassist Steve Harris’ new group in late 1975. He sang in dozens of pub shows where the band tested its heavy rhythm and fast guitar lines.

Even without any studio albums under his belt, Day’s voice and ideas helped steer the band toward the twin-guitar mode that fans love today. He was let go in October 1976 because producers felt he lacked stage charisma, but there was never any doubt that those months were important for the band’s identity. His role during that formative period gave Iron Maiden the raw energy it needed to grow.

He gave powerful performances

Following his departure from Iron Maiden, Paul Mario Day later became a member of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal with the band More. In 1981, he took the lead in their first album, Warhead, where his loud and distinct voice was lauded.

Later in the year, More went on to play at the now historic Monsters of Rock festival at Donington Castle, also in 1984, when he co-headlined with AC/DC along with Whitesnake and Def Leppard. These shows seemed to prove that Day understood how to attract huge crowds of people and that his talent could not be confined to little clubs.

Paul Mario Day continued creating music in Australia

In 1986, Paul Mario Day moved to Australia and made Newcastle, New South Wales, his home. There, he led several local bands, including Wildfire and Sweet, and later performed covers with Defaced, while also writing songs for Crimzon Lake.

He also worked with the progressive metal group Buffalo Crows, showing his love for different rock styles. Though these projects never reached the heights of global chart success, they kept Day busy and creative for decades.

He will be remembered for his quiet but lasting contribution

He went through cancer bravely and was singing and composing songs even in his sickbed.

A touching tribute appeared on the official More band page, as they described him as a great vocalist who was going to be greatly missed.

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