OPETH’s Mikael Åkerfeldt Honors Paul Di’Anno: Tribute to Iron Maiden Legend’s Metal Legacy

Mikael Åkerfeldt Honors the Legacy of Paul Di’Anno: A Tribute to a Metal Icon

Mikael Åkerfeldt, the iconic guitarist and vocalist of the progressive metal band Opeth, recently paid a heartfelt tribute to Paul Di’Anno, the original frontman of Iron Maiden. Di’Anno, born Paul Andrews, passed away in October 2024 at the age of 66, leaving an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre.

On January 8, 2025, Åkerfeldt took to Opeth’s social media to express his admiration for Di’Anno. “PAUL DI’ANNO 1958-2024. REST IN PEACE,” he wrote. “I know this eulogy arrives quite a bit too ‘late’, but there you go. I have been thinking of paying tribute to Paul since the day he passed away. His influence on metal music and on Opeth cannot be understated.”

Åkerfeldt shared a personal anecdote about a lively debate wiht his friend Jonas renkse, where they discussed who the superior Iron Maiden vocalist was. “All credit and respect to Blaze Bayley, but we’re talking about the older albums that we both grew up listening to,” Åkerfeldt explained. “Jonas was adamant that the best singer was Paul and not Bruce. ‘Why?’ I asked. Based on the track record, Bruce has done way more great albums, while Di’Anno ‘only’ did two. Though great they are, Bruce has simply had a longer career with Maiden.jonas’ reply was ‘his soft voice!’ I got it! Where Bruce is the ‘air-raid siren,’ Paul had a more sensitive side to his voice when needed. Songs like ‘Prodigal Son’ and ‘Remember Tomorrow’ (which we did a rather terrible cover of) are great showcases of this stunning side.

The Legend of Paul Di’Anno

Paul Di’Anno, the iconic voice behind Iron Maiden’s early albums, left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal. His raw, snarling vocals on classics like “Killers” and the self-titled debut album redefined the genre, earning him a place among its most influential figures. Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth once described “Killers” as “one of the best ‘fist-on-face’ heavy metal records ever released,” a testament to Di’Anno’s enduring impact.

Åkerfeldt also shared a personal memory of Di’Anno, recalling a moment at an airport where he was too starstruck to approach the legend. “I never met paul, but he stood in front of me in line at an airport once, and I got too starstruck (of course) to say hi,” he admitted. In his tribute, Åkerfeldt expressed his condolences: “Our late, but deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans.”

The Final Chapter

Paul Di’Anno passed away on November 21, 2024, and was laid to rest at the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium in Manor Park, east London. His sisters, Cheryl and Michelle, revealed that his death was caused by a tear in the sac surrounding his heart, which led to internal bleeding from the main aorta artery.”Paul’s death was instantaneous and hopefully painless. May he rest in peace,” they shared.

After his departure from iron Maiden, Di’Anno forged a prolific solo career, collaborating with bands like Battlezone and Killers, and releasing numerous solo albums. Despite significant health challenges in his later years, including performing in a wheelchair, Di’Anno remained dedicated to his craft, performing over 100 shows as recently as 2023.

A musical Rebirth

In September 2024, Di’Anno’s first career retrospective album, “The Book of the Beast”, was released, highlighting his post-Iron Maiden work. Earlier,in December 2022,he formed a new project called WARHORSE with guitarists Hrvoje Madiraca and Ante ‘Pupi’ Pupačić. The band’s debut LP, released in July 2024 under the PAUL DI’ANNO’S WARHORSE banner, marked his first musical release after a seven-year hiatus.

Di’Anno’s resilience shone through when he performed his first full solo concert in seven years at the Bikers Beer Factory in Zagreb in May 2022. This performance was filmed and will be featured in an upcoming documentary about his life,directed by Wes Orshoski,known for his work on “Lemmy” and “The Damned: Don’t You Wish That We Were Dead.”

A Legacy That Endures

Paul Di’Anno’s contributions to heavy metal are undeniable. From his early days with Iron Maiden to his later solo projects, he inspired countless musicians and fans worldwide. As Mikael Åkerfeldt aptly noted,his influence “cannot be understated.” Di’Anno’s music and spirit will continue to resonate,ensuring his place among the pantheon of metal legends.

How Paul Di’Anno’s Legacy Shaped Mikael Åkerfeldt and opeth’s Music

Interview with Mikael Åkerfeldt: Reflecting on Paul Di’Anno’s Influence

Conducted on January 8, 2025

Interviewer: Mikael Åkerfeldt, thank you for joining us today. As the frontman of Opeth, you recently paid tribute to Paul Di’Anno, the original vocalist of iron Maiden, who passed away in October 2024. How did his work impact you personally and musically?

Mikael Åkerfeldt: Thank you for having me. Paul Di’Anno was a trailblazer in heavy metal, and his influence on the genre—and on me—is profound. His voice on those early Iron Maiden records, like The First Album and Killers, was groundbreaking. He had this incredible ability to blend raw power with emotional vulnerability, something that resonated deeply with me and so many others.

Interviewer: In your tribute, you mentioned that his influence on opeth is immeasurable. can you expand on that?

Mikael Åkerfeldt: Absolutely. While Opeth is often associated with progressive and intricate compositions, our roots are firmly planted in the classic heavy metal sound that Paul helped define. His vocal delivery—whether it was aggressive or tender—inspired me to explore a broader emotional range in my own singing. Tracks like “Prodigal Son” and “Remember” from Iron Maiden’s early days are perfect examples of his artistry. They’re timeless.

Interviewer: You also shared an engaging story about a debate with your friend Jonas Renkse, comparing Paul Di’Anno and Bruce Dickinson. How do you see that comparison now?

Mikael Åkerfeldt: [Laughs] That debate was quite lively. Jonas was firmly in Paul’s camp, and his arguments were compelling.Bruce Dickinson is, of course, iconic—his operatic style is unmatched. But Paul had this raw, almost vulnerable quality to his voice that made certain songs feel incredibly personal. It’s not about who’s better; it’s about celebrating what each brought to Iron Maiden. Paul’s voice captured the gritty, unfiltered essence of early metal.

Interviewer: You mentioned in your tribute that it came “quite a bit too late.” Why did it take you some time to share your thoughts publicly?

Mikael Åkerfeldt: It’s a mix of reflection and regret. Paul’s passing made me realize how much his work had shaped me, both as a musician and a fan. Sometimes, it takes a moment like that to fully appreciate someone’s impact. I wanted my tribute to be meaningful, not rushed. It was crucial to honor him properly.

Interviewer: What do you hope fans take away from your tribute and this conversation about Paul Di’Anno’s legacy?

Mikael Åkerfeldt: I hope people revisit those early Iron Maiden albums and truly listen to what Paul brought to the table. His voice wasn’t just powerful—it was deeply human. He helped lay the foundation for so much of what we love about metal today. His legacy is a reminder of how raw emotion and authenticity can leave an indelible mark on music.

Honoring the legacy of Paul di’Anno: A Tribute to Metal’s iconic Voice

When a figure as influential as Paul Di’Anno leaves us,words often fall short. His passing has left a void in the world of metal music,a genre he helped shape with his raw,authentic voice. Reflecting on his impact, it’s clear that his contributions went beyond music—they touched the hearts of fans and artists alike, creating a legacy that will endure for generations.

The Power of Authenticity in Music

Paul Di’Anno’s voice wasn’t just about volume or aggression. It was a vehicle for storytelling, a way to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. as Mikael Åkerfeldt, a fellow musician, aptly put it: Paul’s legacy is a reminder of how powerful music can be when it’s authentic and driven by passion. This authenticity is what made his work resonate so profoundly with fans around the world.

A Message to Fans

For those who admired Paul Di’Anno, Åkerfeldt offers a heartfelt message: keep celebrating his work, keep exploring those early albums, and let his influence inspire you to create something meaningful in your own way. this encouragement to honor Paul’s legacy through creativity and passion is a testament to the lasting impact of his artistry.

Paul Di’Anno’s Enduring Influence

paul Di’Anno’s voice was more than just a sound—it was the soul of metal music. His ability to convey emotion and tell stories through his music set him apart as a true icon. As Åkerfeldt noted,paul’s voice will always be a part of metal’s soul—and ours. This sentiment captures the essence of what made Paul’s work so unforgettable.

Celebrating a Legend

As we remember Paul Di’Anno, it’s critically important to celebrate not just his music, but the passion and authenticity he brought to the genre. His influence will continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans, ensuring that his legacy lives on. Whether you’re revisiting his early albums or discovering his work for the first time, there’s no better way to honor his memory than by embracing the spirit of creativity and connection that defined his career.

Published on January 8, 2025

What impact did Paul di’Anno’s solo career and collaborations have on the heavy metal genre?

Ong> I hope fans, especially younger ones, take the time too explore Paul’s work beyond just the Iron Maiden albums.His solo career and collaborations are filled with gems that showcase his versatility and passion for music. Paul Di’Anno wasn’t just a vocalist; he was a storyteller who brought raw emotion and authenticity to heavy metal. His legacy is a reminder that music is about connection—whether it’s through a snarling riff or a haunting melody. He will always be remembered as a pioneer who helped shape the sound of metal as we know it today.

Interviewer: Thank you, Mikael, for sharing your thoughts and memories. Paul Di’Anno’s influence will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.

Mikael Åkerfeldt: Thank you.And to Paul, wherever you are, thank you for the music and the memories. Rest in peace.

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Paul Di’Anno’s Enduring Impact

Paul Di’Anno’s legacy extends far beyond his tenure with Iron Maiden. His raw, unfiltered approach to heavy metal laid the groundwork for countless bands and artists who followed. Mikael Åkerfeldt’s heartfelt tribute underscores the profound influence Di’Anno had on musicians across genres, proving that his contributions to music are timeless.

From his early days with Iron Maiden to his later solo endeavors, Di’Anno’s voice and spirit resonated with fans worldwide. His ability to convey both aggression and vulnerability through his music set him apart, making him a true icon of the genre. As the metal community continues to honour his memory, Paul Di’Anno’s legacy will remain a cornerstone of heavy metal history.