It's been a rough month for rock fans. Paul Mario Day, the original vocalist of the beloved heavy metal band Iron Maiden, has died at the age of 69.
Day was found in his home in Australia and is said to have died peacefully. While a cause of death has yet to be shared, Day was diagnosed with cancer.
He was a part of Iron Maiden for only 10 months, but played a key role in launching the band and helping it become one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time.
Years later, he continued making music, forming the band More.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great More vocalist Paul Mario Day," wrote More in a Facebook statement. "Paul was a huge part of the NWOBHM from his time in an early version of Iron Maiden, and of course his fantastic performance on the 'Warhead' album."
"He was a well-loved figure in British rock music and played many memorable shows, not least the legendary 1981 Monsters of Rock show at Castle Donington with AC/DC, Whitesnake/David Coverdale, as well as tours with Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and many other legendary artists," concluded the tribute.
More details about Day's history with Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden was formed in 1976 in East London by the bassist and vocalist Steve Harris. Day was a part of the band when they had their first performance in London, in May of that year.
“When I sang in Iron Maiden, it was a new pub band and nobody wanted to see or hear them,” said Day in 2019. “We were all nobodies, all trying to make the best music we could and fighting for an audience.”
He was later replaced by Dennis Wilcock, who left a year later, and was replaced by Paul Di'Anno. He performed for the band for two records. He was ultimately replaced by Bruce Dickinson, who took over the role for good and remains in the band to this day.
Last week, Ozzy Osbourne, the rock legend and lead singer of Black Sabbath, died at 76. Today was his funeral, marking a sad moment for fans of British rock and heavy metal.