Paul Mario Day, Iron Maiden's First Vocalist, Dies

Paul Mario Day, the original vocalist for Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 69 following a reported battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully at his home in Australia on July 29. Paul Mario Day joined Iron Maiden in December 1975 at 19 years old and performed at their first concert in May 1976 before being replaced by Dennis Wilson later that year. Iron Maiden, More (band), and Andrew Scott of The Sweet have all issued statements expressing their sadness and offering condolences. After leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Mario Day continued his career in the British heavy metal scene, forming More (band) in 1980 and releasing their debut album 'Warhead'. He also briefly fronted Wildfire (band) and joined a reformed version of The Sweet in 1985. Paul Mario Day's brief but significant role in the early days of Iron Maiden and his subsequent contributions to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene are highlighted in the tributes.