Interview : Robert Cavuoto
Photos: Robert Cavuoto
In Memory of Paul Di’Anno
Paul Andrews (17 May 1958 – 21 October 2024)
RIP
Paul Di’Anno, the iconic voice who fronted the heavy metal juggernaut Iron Maiden for their first two studio albums, made a much-anticipated appearance at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, on an icy December 22nd in 2010.
Paul was touring to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Iron Maiden’s self-titled debut album, which first introduced the band’s gritty, metal-punk cross-over to the world. His primary motivation tonight was to get out on stage and deliver the kind of no-holds-barred, skull-crushing metal performance that had made him a legend. As the icy winter air swirled outside, the packed crowd inside the Stone Pony eagerly awaited his arrival. For those in attendance, it was a rare chance to experience the primal and recapture a moment in time from the 80s that they never saw. Paul performed for over an hour, pulling out all the tremendous Iron Maiden classics that he put the band on the map, including “Wrathchild,” “Genghis Khan,” “Charlotte the Harlot, “Killers,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and “Running Free.” Paul also performed “Marshall Lowjack,” “A Song for You,” and “Children of Madness” from his solo releases.
The opening act, Icarus Witch, played a crucial supporting role, serving as the backing band for Paul – minus the presence of their own lead vocalist. This seasoned group of musicians effortlessly captured the essence and intricate nuances of Iron Maiden flawlessly.
As the set drew to a close, the strain on Paul’s vocal cords became increasingly evident. Acknowledging the toll, Paul addressed the crowd with a rueful smile, apologizing that he would not be able to deliver the last two songs as originally planned. However, the audience, fueled by the electric energy of the show, was not ready to let the night end. They erupted into a deafening roar, determined to coax every last song from their beloved frontman. Sensing their unwavering devotion, Paul knew he had to find a way to push through. A shot or two of Jack Daniels was all it took to reignite his voice. Invigorated by the crowd’s thunderous chants, Paul summoned every ounce of his remaining vocal strength and launched into a blistering rendition of “Iron Maiden,” the crowd singing along passionately. As the final notes of that iconic track faded, Paul seamlessly transitioned into the opening riffs of “Sanctuary,” the audience’s fervent cheers spurring him onward. Though his voice may have been strained, Paul’s performance was nothing short of triumphant, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the music and his fans.
I had the pleasure of interviewing the colorful, fast-talking Paul Di’Anno after the show to discuss his departure from Iron Maiden, whether he sang on any demos from Number of the Beast, his friendship or lack thereof with current and past members, and his hopes of someday joining Iron Maiden on stage. Please follow My Global Mind on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
Rob: When Bruce Dickinson left Iron Maiden in 1999, were you a candidate to replace him?
Paul: Not in a million years. I would have done it for 3-4 million dollars with half going to UNICEF and the other half to another charity. I don’t need the money. I make quite enough off my own records and the Iron Maiden records. It’s never been about the money; it’s been about playing. Thanks to the fans, my children have gone to college, and I owe them everything. Thanks for supporting my drug habit, taking care of my ex-wife [laughing], my custom Harley Davidson’s, and my five clubs in Brazil.
Rob: You left before the release of Number of the Beast, but were you involved in the songwriting, or did you sing on any demos?
Paul: I was. There is a very rare demo going around of me signing “Run to the Hills” and “Hallowed Be Thy Name.” I laid one of them down in Toronto, but I had lost all interest by then.
Rob: Do you still talk with Clive Burr and Dennis Stratton?
Paul: I love Clive. He was like my brother, and I’ll do anything for him. Two and a half years ago, I flew in from Brazil to perform with a French band at the Clive Aid Benefit. The band was awful, but I did the best I could to make money for him. I had trouble with the flights and think it cost me more to fly in and out than we made for Clive. But I’ll do it again for Clive anytime. Dennis and I aren’t talking, he’s an asshole. He once dropped LSD in a band member’s drink before a show. You have to be some kind of prick to do that.
Rob: How is Clive doing?
Paul: He’s not doing too well, you know.
Rob: Do you talk to any other members of Iron Maiden?
Paul: Yeah, the problem is that we all live in other counties. Stevie and Bruce were looking for me when the band came to Brazil, but I was out on my tour. It may happen where I join them on stage someday. That’s another bad press thing that says we all hate each other; it’s not true. I love Steve and Dave. Me, Steve, Dave and Clive were like a gang and always in trouble. Anyone who slags off on Maiden, I’ll punch them out. I quit the band because of all the ethics and politics. We all need to make money, but there’s making money and exploitation of money. That’s my only quip that I have about Maiden. I’m proud to be an ex-member of Iron Maiden.
Rob: Your book “The Beast” paints you as a dark and angry guy.
Paul: That book is bullshit! It’s an old chapter in my life when I was a lunatic. I didn’t want to do the book for years and only agreed to do it to close that chapter in my life and because all the proceeds would go to a cancer charity. I had a ghostwriter who tried to make it sound like it was me talking, and I gave him a little too much artistic license. He took things a bit too far.
Rob: In it, you talk about all the lies and myths said about you. What is the biggest lie that you want to dismiss?
Paul: That I beat all my old ladies. That’s bullshit. One of my wives’ pulled a knife on me, and I hit her while trying to get it away from her. The LAPD didn’t see it that way and brought me up on charges.
Rob: What’s next after this tour?
Paul: I’m going back to Brazil to get my license to give tattoos. Then I’m taking the guns on the road to tattoo the fans. I have signed so many tits and arms over the years for them to go get tattooed; now the fans can come back, and I’ll tattoo my name on them for free.
Rob: Are you really a member of Hell Angels?
Paul: Hell yeah, been a member since 1981.
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