Original IRON MAIDEN Vocalist PAUL MARIO DAY Dead At 69

The heavy metal world is mourning the loss of Paul Mario Day, the original vocalist for Iron Maiden and a longtime contributor to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene, who passed away peacefully at his home in Australia after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 69 years old.

Born in the UK, Day fronted the very first incarnation of Iron Maiden in 1975, shortly after the band was founded by bassist Steve Harris. While his time with Iron Maiden was short-lived, his involvement played a key role in shaping the band’s early vision during its formative years. Though he did not appear on any official recordings, Day remains a part of Iron Maiden‘s origin story and the broader legacy of British metal.

Following his departure from Iron Maiden, Day became best known for his commanding vocal presence in More, a band that emerged as a standout in the NWOBHM movement. His performance on More‘s 1981 album Warhead earned widespread acclaim, and the band notably appeared at that year’s Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington, sharing the bill with AC/DC, Whitesnake, and Def Leppard. More would go on to tour extensively with top acts of the era, solidifying their place in heavy metal history.

In 1985, Day was recruited by Sweet guitarist Andy Scott and drummer Mick Tucker to front a newly reformed lineup of the classic glam rock band. His tenure began with a string of sold-out shows in Australia, which were followed by European dates and a triumphant three-night run at London’s Marquee Club — captured on the Live at the Marquee album, video, and DVD.

Scott paid tribute to Day in a heartfelt statement: “When Paul arrived for the audition, we looked no further… Live at the Marquee did well in various charts around the world, and Paul‘s vocal performance has stood the test of time. My deepest condolences to his wife Cecily and family and friends. A sad day for all Sweet fans.”

More also honored their former frontman with a moving tribute: “Paul was a huge part of the NWOBHM… He played many memorable shows, not least the legendary 1981 Monsters of Rock show… It’s an honour for us to continue to play his music, and we will always think of him every time we hit the opening notes to ‘Warhead’. Play his music loud and sing along. Thank you. Rock in peace, Paul.”

Known for his gritty, melodic vocal style and commanding stage presence, Day earned the respect of fans and fellow musicians alike. Though he never reached the same level of mainstream fame as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to metal’s early development and its live circuit remain deeply influential.

As the NWOBHM movement continues to inspire new generations of heavy music, Paul Mario Day‘s voice and legacy endure, immortalized in the albums and live performances that helped define an era.