Former Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley has paid tribute to Paul Di’Anno, describing him as the band’s defining legend because of his role on its first two albums. Bayley said Di’Anno’s performances helped reshape heavy metal and music more broadly, and that his legacy cannot be diminished despite Iron Maiden’s different vocal eras.

Bayley recalled touring extensively with Di’Anno in Russia, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand, saying Di’Anno could sound even stronger live than on record when well rested. He also reflected on seeing Di’Anno shortly before his death in October 2024, aged 66, and said the experience reinforced the importance of valuing final encounters; Di’Anno had experienced poor health and used a wheelchair in his later years.